Costa Mesa establishes specific decibel thresholds under CMMC Title 13 that vary by zoning district and time of day. Residential zones allow approximately 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, measured at the property line of the receiving property.
CMMC Sections 13-280 through 13-286 set exterior noise standards for Costa Mesa. Residential zones typically allow approximately 55 dBA during daytime (7 AM to 10 PM) and 50 dBA during nighttime (10 PM to 7 AM). Commercial zones have higher thresholds, and manufacturing/industrial zones higher still. Noise is measured using A-weighted sound level meters at the property line of the affected property. Adjustments may apply for tonal, impulsive, or repetitive noise characteristics. Construction noise during permitted hours (7 AM to 7 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays) is generally exempt from decibel limits. Emergency equipment, public safety activities, and city-authorized events also receive exemptions. Code Enforcement uses sound level meters to document violations. Complaints go to Code Enforcement at (714) 754-5623.
Exceeding decibel limits at the receiving property line violates CMMC Title 13. First violations typically receive a warning. Subsequent violations may result in administrative fines starting at $100 and escalating for repeat offenses.
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public streets for more than 72 hours without being moved or those that are inoperable. The city proac...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW from parking on restricted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM, or for more than 3 hours on any pub...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirem...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at lea...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires building permits for all new fences. The Planning Division reviews fence location and materials. Fences exceeding maximum heights require...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa limits front setback fences to 3 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet maximum. Corner lots require fences over 36 inches to be set back 5 feet from...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle decibel limits.
See how Costa Mesa's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.