Tustin, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone 1 (residential) daytime
- 55 dB(A), 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Zone 1 nighttime
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Zone 2 (commercial)
- 60 dB(A) any time
- Zone 3 (industrial)
- 70 dB(A) any time
- Music/speech/tone penalty
- limits cut by 5 dB(A)
- Interior nighttime cap
- 45 dB(A) (§ 4615)
Summary
Tustin sets a numeric exterior noise ceiling by zone under Tustin City Code § 4614: 55 dB(A) by day and 50 dB(A) at night in residential Zone 1, 60 dB(A) in commercial Zone 2, and 70 dB(A) in industrial Zone 3, with a five decibel cut whenever the noise is music, speech or a repeating tone.
(a)The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property within a designated noise zone: EXTERIOR NOISE STANDARDS Noise Zone Noise Level Time period 1 55 dB(A) 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 50 dB(A) 10:00 p.m.— 7:00 a.m. 2 60 dB(A) any time 3 70 dB(A) any time 4 55 dB(A) any time 5 60 dB(A) any time ... In the event the alleged offensive noise consists of impact noise, simple tone noise, speech, music, or any combination thereof, each of the above noise levels shall be reduced by five (5) dB(A).
Full Breakdown
Section 4614 divides the City into five noise zones defined in Section 4613: Zone 1 is all residential property, Zone 2 commercial, Zone 3 industrial, Zone 4 special uses like schools, hospitals and churches, and Zone 5 mixed-use property. The exterior table caps Zone 1 at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) overnight, Zone 2 at 60 dB(A) any time, Zone 3 at 70 dB(A) any time, Zone 4 at 55 dB(A) any time, and Zone 5 at 60 dB(A) any time.
If the offending sound is impact noise, a simple repeating tone, speech, or music, every one of those limits drops by five dB(A). A single loud moment is not automatically illegal: Section 4614(b) only makes it unlawful once the excess noise runs more than 30 minutes an hour at the base standard, 15 minutes at five over, five minutes at ten over, one minute at fifteen over, or any length of time at twenty over. Section 4615 imposes a parallel, stricter interior standard, 55 dB(A) by day and 45 dB(A) at night, measured inside a neighbor's dwelling.
Ambient noise that already exceeds these figures raises the applicable ceiling. Community Development and the Tustin Police Department use a sound level meter under Section 4620 to measure violations.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Section 4614 or 4615 standards is a public nuisance and a misdemeanor under Section 4625, with each day of continuing violation charged as a separate offense. Measurements are taken with a sound level meter under Section 4620 at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling or floor, and the cumulative-minutes test in Section 4614(b) determines whether a given excess crosses into an enforceable violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit for a Tustin house?
Are commercial and industrial areas allowed to be louder?
Does a single loud noise violate Tustin's noise code?
Is there a separate limit for noise heard inside a neighbor's home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tustin
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