Amplified Music & Events: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Amplified music in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80. Noise that exceeds established decibel levels for the zone is prohibited. Nightclubs and bars with amplified music face additional sound attenuation requirements.
View full Long Beach rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LBMC Ch. 8.80 | SMMC Ch. 4.12 |
| Standard | Must not exceed zone dB levels | - |
| Enforcement | Health Dept + LBPD | - |
| Variances | Available from Noise Control Officer | - |
| Near Residential | - | No outdoor music 11 PM - 6 AM |
| Nightclubs | - | Double-door vestibules required |
| Windows | - | Double-paned glass required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I play loud music outside in Long Beach?
Amplified music must comply with residential noise limits under LBMC 8.80.150, with an additional 5 dB reduction applied because it contains informational content. Loudspeakers are completely prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM if audible across residential property lines.
What is the decibel limit for music in Long Beach?
Music is subject to standard residential limits minus 5 dB: effectively 45 dBA (L50) daytime and 40 dBA (L50) nighttime at the receiving residential property, per LBMC 8.80.150 and 8.80.160.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I play loud music at home in Santa Monica?
Music must not exceed noise zone limits (50 dBA at night, 55 dBA daytime in residential zones). Enforcement uses a reasonable person standard.
What happens if my neighbor plays loud music after 10 PM?
Contact Code Enforcement or SMPD. The 50 dBA nighttime residential limit applies, and the catch-all provision of §4.12.025 covers unreasonable noise.
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