Westminster, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Westminster Code §§ 8.28.040, 8.28.050
- Zone 1 exterior limit
- 55 dB(A), all hours
- Zone 2 exterior limit
- 60 dB(A) day / 55 dB(A) night
- Zone 1 interior limit
- 55 dB(A) day / 45 dB(A) night
- Zone 2 interior limit
- 60 dB(A) day / 50 dB(A) night
- Tone/music/speech reduction
- Minus 5 dB(A) from base standard
Summary
Westminster sets exterior residential noise limits at 55 dB(A) in Noise Zone 1 and 60/55 dB(A) day/night in Noise Zone 2, plus interior limits of 55/45 and 60/50 dB(A), with graduated allowances for brief louder spikes measured in cumulative minutes per hour.
EXTERIOR NOISE STANDARDS Noise Zone / Noise Level / Time Period: 1 - 55 dB(A) - 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; 55 dB(A) - 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. 2 - 60 dB(A) - 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; 55 dB(A) - 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. ... In the event the alleged offensive noise consists entirely of impact noise, simple tone noise, speech, music, or any combination thereof, each of the above noise levels shall be reduced by 5dB(A). ... It is unlawful for any person ... to create any noise ... when the foregoing causes the noise level ... to exceed: 1. The noise standard for a cumulative period of more than thirty minutes in any hour; or 2. The noise standard plus 5dB(A) for a cumulative period of more than fifteen minutes in any hour...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8.28 designates the entire city as 'Noise Zone 1' except for land in the R2, R3, R4 and R5 districts, which is 'Noise Zone 2,' under Section 8.28.030. Section 8.28.040(A) sets the exterior residential standard at 55 dB(A) around the clock in Zone 1, and at 60 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. dropping to 55 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Zone 2. Section 8.28.050(A) sets interior standards at 55 dB(A) daytime and 45 dB(A) nighttime in Zone 1, and 60 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime in Zone 2.
Both sections reduce every listed level by 5 dB(A) when the offending noise is entirely impact noise, simple tone noise, speech or music. Exceeding the base exterior standard is only unlawful once it is sustained: more than 30 cumulative minutes per hour at the base level, more than 15 minutes at the standard plus 5 dB(A), more than 5 minutes at plus 10 dB(A), more than 1 minute at plus 15 dB(A), or any period at all at plus 20 dB(A), per Section 8.28.040(C). The interior standard uses tighter windows: more than 5 minutes at the base level, more than 1 minute at plus 5 dB(A), or any period at plus 10 dB(A), under Section 8.28.050(C).
Measurements are taken at any point on the affected property for exterior noise and inside the affected dwelling unit, at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling or floor, for interior noise, per Section 8.28.070.
Violations & Fines
Noise exceeding these standards is declared a public nuisance under Section 8.28.010(B) and is punishable under the citywide penalty section, Municipal Code Section 1.12.010, as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail) or an infraction ($100 first offense, $200 second offense within a year, $500 for each further offense), with abatement by injunction or restraining order also available to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum exterior noise level allowed at a Westminster home?
How is Noise Zone 2 different from Noise Zone 1?
Can a single loud noise burst violate the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle decibel limits.