Carlsbad, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Numeric limit
- 65.0 dBA Leq-1m
- Restricted hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Measured at
- Property line of the venue
- Applies to
- ABC-licensed entertainment establishments
- License authority
- Chief of Police, Chapter 8.09
- First-offense penalty
- Infraction, escalating to misdemeanor
Summary
Carlsbad entertainment establishments serving alcohol cannot exceed a one-hour average noise level of 65.0 dBA Leq at the property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., measured under Municipal Code Section 8.09.110. The Chief of Police licenses these venues under Chapter 8.09 and can condition, suspend, or revoke a license for exceeding the limit.
Noise Restrictions. Noise shall be measured in accordance with Section 8.09.110. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. no entertainment establishment may cause, permit or maintain noise at a sound level to the extent that the one-hour average sound level exceeds 65.0 dBA Leq-1m at the property line of the entertainment establishment of which the noise is produced. The noise subject to these limits is that part of the total noise at the specified location that is due solely to the action of said responsible party.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5007221; v20 updated 2026-06-16).
Full Breakdown
" The limit applies only to noise "due solely to the action of said responsible party," meaning ambient city noise is excluded from a reading. 110 dictates how an abatement officer must measure it: a calibrated, A-weighted sound level meter held at least four feet above ground and four feet from reflecting surfaces, oriented toward the source at roughly 45 degrees, never closer than six feet, logged over a 60-second Leq sample at each property line. 0 dBA for each halving of the hour it actually runs. 48's construction-hours rule and general nuisance law apply instead.
Violations & Fines
A violation is an infraction, escalating to a misdemeanor on a fourth violation within one year, penalized under Section 1.08.010(B) with a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. The Chief of Police can also revoke, suspend, or deny an entertainment license once a venue is found to have violated three or more provisions of Chapter 8.09 in any 12-month period, with a right to appeal a denial or revocation to the City Manager and then the City Council under Section 8.09.150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 65 dBA limit apply to every business in Carlsbad?
How does the city measure whether a venue is over the limit?
What happens if a venue exceeds the noise limit repeatedly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carlsbad
California rules heatmap·Compare Carlsbad to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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