The City of Santa Barbara uses a 50-foot 'plainly audible' standard for general noise (SBMC 9.16.020) plus specific decibel caps: 60 dB(A) outdoor / 45 dB(A) indoor for amplified sound (9.16.080), 53 dB(A) at a residential line for exterior mechanical equipment, 60 dB(A) CNEL for residential-area mechanical equipment, and 5 dBA over ambient for night construction.
Rather than a single zone-by-zone decibel table, the City of Santa Barbara's noise code (SBMC Chapter 9.16) combines a qualitative 'plainly audible' standard with several specific dBA limits — all City code, distinct from the county's. The general rule in Section 9.16.020 prohibits any noise disturbance plainly audible 50 feet from the source. Specific numeric limits include: amplified sound capped at 60 dB(A) outdoors at the property line and 45 dB(A) inside a neighboring residence (Section 9.16.080); exterior mechanical equipment (air conditioners, heat pumps, pool/spa equipment) limited to 53 A-weighted decibels at the property line of any adjacent parcel used or zoned for residential, public or semi-public uses (Section 9.16.070(D), and the City's compliance acknowledgment form); mechanical equipment near residential, institutional or park parcels not to exceed 60 dB(A) CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level); a motor-vehicle horn limit of 60 dB(A) at 200 feet; and night construction unlawful if it exceeds the ambient noise level by 5 dBA at the nearest residential line (Section 9.16.040). Measurements follow Section 9.16.100 (Measurement Methods): A-weighting, slow meter response, microphone on the property line of the noise source no closer than 5 feet from any wall and 3-5 feet above ground for outdoor readings. Discretionary new development is also screened against General Plan Noise Element exterior exposure thresholds (for example, 60 dB(A) for single-unit residential and 65 dB(A) for multi-unit/mixed-use).
Exceeding any of these limits violates the corresponding section of SBMC Chapter 9.16 and is enforced under Section 9.16.110, with the City's administrative fine schedule of $350 / $750 / $1,000. Mechanical equipment that fails the 53 dB(A) limit must be removed, relocated or altered at the owner's expense per the City's compliance process, and persistent violations can be abated by injunction under Section 9.16.120.
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