Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes three noise zones with specific dBA limits. Residential Zone I limits are 50 dBA nighttime and 60 dBA daytime (15-minute Leq). Non-residential Zone II is 60/65 dBA. Industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at all times. A 5 dBA penalty applies for tonal, impulsive, music, or speech content.
Santa Monica's noise ordinance (Chapter 4.12) divides the City into three Noise Zones with specific exterior equivalent noise level standards. Noise Zone I (residential districts): 7 AM–10 PM weekdays / 8 AM–10 PM weekends: 60 dBA (15-min Leq), 65 dBA (5-min continuous); 10 PM–7 AM / 10 PM–8 AM: 50 dBA (15-min Leq), 55 dBA (5-min continuous). Noise Zone II (non-residential, Santa Monica Pier): 7 AM–10 PM: 65 dBA (15-min Leq), 70 dBA (5-min continuous); 10 PM–7 AM: 60 dBA (15-min Leq), 65 dBA (5-min continuous). Noise Zone III (manufacturing/industrial): 70 dBA (15-min Leq) and 75 dBA (5-min continuous) at all times. For each zone, the allowable exterior equivalent noise level is reduced by 5 dBA for impulsive or simple tone noise, or for noises consisting of speech or music. Interior noise standards also apply in residential zones.
Noise violations are infractions punishable by fines starting at $250. Repeat offenses within 12 months may be charged as misdemeanors. The Community Noise Officer investigates complaints and issues notices of violation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.12 strictly regulates amplified sound and music. In Noise Zone I (residential), exterior noise may not exceed 60 dBA da...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends/holidays. During quiet hours, residential noise limits drop to...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.110 limits construction to 8 AM–6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM–5 PM Saturday. No construction on Sundays or hol...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle decibel limits.
See how Santa Monica'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.