Huntington Beach, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime residential limit
- 55 dBA Leq / 75 dBA Lmax
- Nighttime residential limit
- 50 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax
- Commercial/office limit
- 65 dBA Leq / 85 dBA Lmax
- Measurement point
- Property line of receiving use
- Tonal/music penalty
- Minus 5 dBA adjustment
Summary
Huntington Beach's noise code sets numeric decibel ceilings by land use and time of day. Low-density residential property is capped at 55 dBA average (Leq) and 75 dBA peak (Lmax) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., dropping to 50/70 dBA overnight, measured at the receiving property line.
It is unlawful for any person at any location within the incorporated area of the City to create any noise due to a fixed noise source (or any mobile source not preempted by State or Federal laws)... which causes the noise level when measured at the property line of any residential, hotel, motel, public institutional, recreational, or commercial property... to exceed the applicable noise standards: Low-Density Residential 55 75 7 a.m.-10 p.m. / 50 70 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; Medium-, High-Density Residential, Hotels, Motels 60 80 7 a.m.-10 p.m. / 50 70 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; Schools 55 75 Hours of Operation; Hospitals, Churches, Cultural, Museum, Library, Public Park, Recreational 60 80 Hours of Operation; Commercial/Office 65 85 Hours of Operation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954605; v17 updated 2026-06-16).
Full Breakdown
050 makes it unlawful to create noise from a fixed source, or an unregulated mobile source, that exceeds the exterior standards measured at the property line of any residential, hotel, motel, institutional, recreational or commercial property. m. Medium- and high-density residential zones and hotels/motels get a higher daytime allowance of 60/80 dBA before the same 50/70 dBA nighttime limit applies. Schools are capped at 55/75 dBA during hours of operation; hospitals, churches, cultural facilities, museums, libraries and public parks at 60/80 dBA during operating hours; and commercial/office property at 65/85 dBA during operating hours.
030 requires measurements with an ANSI Type 2 sound level meter, A-weighted, at least four feet high and four feet from reflective surfaces, over a minimum 15-minute sample. 050 layers on adjustments: impact noise, simple tones, speech or music are penalized by subtracting five dBA from the limit before comparing it to the reading; if the underlying ambient noise already exceeds the table value, the limit rises to match it; and multifamily balconies and patios are exempt outright, though the development must disclose potential noise to tenants.
Violations & Fines
A confirmed exceedance measured at the property line is enforced by the Director of Community Development or the Police Chief, who may make a warrantless arrest under Penal Code Section 836.5 for a violation occurring in their presence. If City noise monitoring confirms an exceedance, the property owner or the noise source's operator must reimburse the City for the cost of the testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit for a Huntington Beach home?
Does the noise limit change for music or tonal sound?
Who measures and enforces the noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Huntington Beach to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle decibel limits.