Santa Monica, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone I (residential) nighttime Leq
- 50 dBA (15-min) / 60 dBA (5-min peak)
- Zone I (residential) daytime Leq
- 55 dBA (15-min) / 65 dBA (5-min peak)
- Zone II (commercial) nighttime
- 60 dBA (15-min)
- Zone II (commercial) daytime
- 65 dBA (15-min)
- Zone III (industrial) anytime
- 70 dBA (15-min)
- Speech/music reduction
- 5 dBA below zone standard
Summary
Residential zones are limited to 50 dBA at night and 55 dBA during the day (15-minute Leq); commercial zones allow 60/65 dBA; industrial zones allow 70 dBA anytime.
§ 4.12.060. Exterior noise standards. (a) The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property with a designated noise zone during the times indicated: [Noise Zone I / II / III] Monday--Friday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. / 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. / 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; All days of week [Zone II]; Anytime [Zone III]. Allowable Leq 15-minute / 5-minute: 50/60 dBA (Zone I night), 55/65 dBA (Zone I day), 60/65/70 dBA (Zone II/III), 65/70/75 dBA. (b) For each Noise Zone, the allowable exterior equivalent noise level shall be reduced by five dBA for impulsive or simple tone noise, or for noises consisting of speech or music. If the ambient noise level exceeds the allowable exterior noise level standard, the ambient noise level shall be the standard. (c) ...no person shall at any location within the City create any noise or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which causes: (1) The equivalent noise level to exceed the noise standards established in subsection (a) of this Section for the noise zone where the measurement is taken.
Full Breakdown
Noise Zone I (residential) has the strictest limits: 50 dBA nighttime, 55 dBA daytime, measured as a 15-minute continuous equivalent level. The 5-minute peak limit is 20 dBA higher than the zone standard. Zone II (commercial/non-residential) allows 60/65 dBA night/day. Zone III (industrial conservation) allows 70 dBA at any time. Noise consisting of speech or music must be 5 dBA below the applicable standard.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding limits is a public offense: infraction ($250 max) or misdemeanor ($500 max or 6 months jail). The City may also seek nuisance abatement. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my neighbor's air conditioner be?
Are commercial zones held to the same standard as residential?
Who measures and enforces the dBA limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle decibel limits.