Quiet hours in San Clemente, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
San Clemente Municipal Code Chapter 8.48 sets exterior noise limits that drop at night. On residential property the allowable level falls from 55 dB(A) during the day to 50 dB(A) between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., with interior limits of 40 dB(A) at night.
Under SCMC §8.48.050, the nighttime window runs 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for all land uses. Residential receiver property is limited to 50 dB(A) at night (55 dB(A) daytime); interior residential limits under §8.48.060 are 40 dB(A) night and 50 dB(A) day. Section §8.48.070 separately bans radios, TVs, phonographs and musical instruments played between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so as to cross a residential or commercial property line, and prohibits nighttime yelling, shouting or singing on public streets. The general nuisance standard in §8.48.040 also applies at any hour to loud or unusual noise disturbing a reasonable person, considering time of day, proximity to sleeping areas and duration.
Noise violations are a public nuisance under §8.48.010. Per SCMC §1.16.010, a violation is a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and/or six months jail) or infraction ($100/$200/$500 for repeats within a year), with each day a separate offense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle quiet hours.
See how San Clemente's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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