Noise Ordinances in Santa Monica, CA (2026)

9 verified noise ordinances for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Quiet Hours

Santa Monica enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends/holidays. During quiet hours, residential noise limits drop to 50 dBA (15-minute Leq). Sound amplifying equipment in parks and on beaches is prohibited after 10 PM.

Santa Monica Quiet Hours

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Construction Hours

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.110 limits construction to 8 AM–6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM–5 PM Saturday. No construction on Sundays or holidays. High-impact equipment (pile drivers, jackhammers) is further restricted to 10 AM–3 PM weekdays only. After-hours permits available.

Santa Monica Construction Hours & Noise Limits

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Barking Dogs

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04 prohibits allowing any animal to bark, yell, or cry for more than 5 continuous minutes or 15 total minutes in any 60-minute period. This is one of the strictest barking dog standards in Los Angeles County. Animal Control Officers enforce the ordinance.

Santa Monica Barking Dog Ordinance

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Leaf Blower Rules

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned in Santa Monica since 1991. Only electric blowers with manufacturer sound rating of 70 dB or less are allowed (July 2023 update). Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM. Photo/video evidence accepted for enforcement.

Santa Monica Leaf Blower Regulations

Heavy Restrictions

California AB 1346 (2021) - Health and Safety Code Section 43018.11 (Small Off-Road Engine / Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Phase-Out)

43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music in Santa Monica is regulated under SMMC Ch. 4.12. Businesses with amplified music near residential zones must cease outdoor activities between 11 PM and 6 AM. Nightclubs require double-door vestibules and double-paned glass.

Santa Monica Amplified Music & Sound Ordinance

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Aircraft Noise

Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) has one of the most restrictive airport noise ordinances in California. The City imposes CNEL-based noise contours, a Fly Neighborly Program, and operational restrictions. Evening flights carry a 4.8 dB penalty and nighttime flights a 10 dB penalty in CNEL calculations.

Santa Monica Airport (SMO) Noise Regulations

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Industrial Noise

Industrial noise in Santa Monica is regulated under SMMC Ch. 4.12. Noise standards apply to all zones. The city's Code Enforcement is the primary agency for addressing noise violations from commercial and industrial sources.

Santa Monica Industrial & Commercial Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Decibel Limits

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes three noise zones with specific dBA limits. Residential Zone I limits are 50 dBA nighttime and 60 dBA daytime (15-minute Leq). Non-residential Zone II is 60/65 dBA. Industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at all times. A 5 dBA penalty applies for tonal, impulsive, music, or speech content.

Santa Monica Noise Decibel Standards by Zone

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Music

Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.12 strictly regulates amplified sound and music. In Noise Zone I (residential), exterior noise may not exceed 60 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime. Music and speech content triggers an automatic 5 dBA reduction. Amplified sound in parks and beaches is banned after 10 PM.

Santa Monica Outdoor Music & Amplified Sound Regulations

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.

Noise Ordinances in Los Angeles County →