Santa Monica, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Max noise level (SENEL)
- 95 dB
- Night curfew (Mon–Fri)
- 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Night curfew (Sat–Sun)
- 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM
- Initial repeat-violation penalty
- $2,000
- Maximum monetary penalty
- $10,000 per violation
- Emergency exception
- Medical or public safety, with Airport Director or Police Watch Commander approval
Summary
The Santa Monica Airport Noise Abatement Code caps aircraft noise at 95 dB SENEL and bans departures or run-ups between 11 PM and 7 AM on weekdays or 11 PM and 8 AM on weekends.
10.04.04.060. Maximum noise limit. No aircraft shall exceed a Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) or ninety-five decibels as measured at the Airport Noise Measuring Stations existing on January 1, 1985. If additional stations are established, the maximum SENEL shall be set for each measuring point at an equivalent level.
10.04.04.080. Hours of operation. The Airport shall be open for public use at all reasonable hours of the day and night, subject to the following restrictions:
(b) No aircraft shall be started, run-up, or depart the Airport between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Mondays through Fridays nor between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, except in case of bona fide medical or public safety emergency, with the consent of the Airport Director or, in his or her absence, the Watch Commander of the Police Department.
Full Breakdown
Section 10.04.04.060 establishes a hard maximum Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) of 95 decibels measured at Airport Noise Measuring Stations. Section 10.04.04.080 prohibits any aircraft from being started, run-up, or departing between 11 PM and 7 AM Monday–Friday and between 11 PM and 8 AM Saturday and Sunday. A narrow exception exists for bona fide medical or public safety emergencies with approval from the Airport Director or, in their absence, the Police Watch Commander. The Airport Director may also exclude specific aircraft types that repeatedly exceed noise limits.
Violations & Fines
Escalating civil penalties: $2,000 (first repeat/willful), $5,000 (second), $10,000 (third); after maximum fine, suspension of Airport privileges for 6 months, then revocation. Willful violation of Airport Director order is a misdemeanor under SMMC § 1.08.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pilot depart the Santa Monica Airport at midnight in an emergency?
What happens if an aircraft repeatedly exceeds the 95 dB SENEL limit?
Are Touch and Go operations allowed on weekends?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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