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🔊 Noise Ordinances/Quiet Hours

Quiet Hours: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana

How do quiet hours rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.

Costa Mesa, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Costa Mesa Chapter XIII of the Municipal Code establishes noise control standards. Section 13-280 sets exterior noise standards for residential zones with different limits for daytime and nighttime. Willfully making loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace is unlawful.

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Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Ana enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under SAMC Chapter 18, Article VI (Noise Control). Residential exterior noise is limited to 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, with graduated enforcement thresholds for cumulative violations.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactCosta MesaSanta Ana
Exterior StandardsCMMC §13-280 by zone/time-
Interior StandardsCMMC §13-281-
MeasurementdB(A) at property line-
WaiversDev Services Director may grant-
ReportCosta Mesa PD or Code Enforcement-
Quiet Hours-10 PM – 7 AM
Daytime Exterior-55 dBA
Nighttime Exterior-50 dBA
Code Section-Sec. 18-312/18-313

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Costa Mesa FAQ

What are the quiet hours in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa sets different noise limits for daytime and nighttime under CMMC Section 13-280. Nighttime limits are stricter. Making loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs neighbors is always unlawful.

How is noise measured in Costa Mesa?

Noise is measured in A-weighted decibels at the property line of the affected property. Different zones have different maximum levels under Section 13-280.

Who do I call about noise?

For immediate disturbances, contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5252. For ongoing issues, file a complaint with Code Enforcement.

Santa Ana FAQ

What are the quiet hours in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under SAMC Chapter 18, Article VI (Noise Control). Residential exterior noise is limited to 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, with graduated enforcement thresholds for cumulative violations.

What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Santa Ana?

Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM. Daytime Exterior: 55 dBA. Nighttime Exterior: 50 dBA. Code Section: Sec. 18-312/18-313.

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