Quiet Hours: Carson vs Santa Monica
How do quiet hours rules compare between Carson, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson Municipal Code Article 4, Chapter 5 (Noise Control Ordinance) adopts Los Angeles County Code Title 12, Chapter 12.08 by reference. Nighttime quiet hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (weekdays) and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (weekends/holidays), with stricter exterior sound level limits during those hours for residential zones.
View full Carson rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday quiet hours | 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. | - |
| Weekend/holiday quiet hours | 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. | - |
| Residential nighttime limit | 45 dBA (Noise Zone I) | - |
| Governing code | LA County Code Title 12 Ch. 12.08 (adopted by CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5) | - |
| Enforcement | LA County Sheriff - Carson Station | - |
| Weeknight | - | 10 PM – 7 AM |
| Weekend/Holiday | - | 10 PM – 8 AM |
| Night Limit | - | 50 dBA residential |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 4.12 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson have its own noise ordinance?
No. Carson Municipal Code Article 4, Chapter 5 adopts Los Angeles County Code Title 12, Chapter 12.08 by reference, so the county's noise standards apply in Carson.
Who do I call about a noise complaint at night?
Call LA County Sheriff's Carson Station non-emergency line. They enforce both the LA County noise ordinance and Carson's public nuisance provisions.
What is the nighttime decibel limit in residential areas?
Under LA County Code §12.08.390, the nighttime limit for single-family residential (Noise Zone I) is 45 dBA at the property line.
Santa Monica FAQ
What are the quiet hours in Santa Monica?
10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays. Residential noise must not exceed 50 dBA during these hours.
Can I play music in a park at night in Santa Monica?
No. Sound amplifying equipment and musical instruments are prohibited in City parks, beaches, and recreational facilities after 10 PM.
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