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 daytime or 50 dBA nighttime. Music and speech content triggers an automatic 5 dBA reduction. Amplified sound in parks and beaches is banned after 10 PM.
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes exterior noise standards by zone and time period. For Noise Zone I (residential), the 15-minute equivalent noise level limit is 60 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays (8 AM to 10 PM weekends) and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM (10 PM to 8 AM weekends). The 5-minute continuous noise level limit is 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. For each Noise Zone, noise consisting of speech or music triggers an automatic 5 dBA reduction in allowable levels. Section 4.12.080 prohibits the use of sound amplifying equipment in public parks, beaches, and recreational facilities after 10 PM weekdays and 8 AM weekends. Community Event Permits may authorize amplified sound at specific events. Street performers on the Third Street Promenade are regulated under Chapter 6.112 with specific volume and location restrictions.
Noise violations are infractions with fines starting at $250 for a first offense. Repeated violations may be charged as misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor music.
See how Santa Monica's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.