San Diego County Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Daytime Limit (7 AM–10 PM)
- 50 dBA
- Nighttime Limit (10 PM–7 AM)
- 45 dBA
- Commercial Zone Daytime
- 60 dBA
- Measurement Method
- One-hour average at property line
- Governing Code
- Title 3, Div. 6, Ch. 4, Sec. 36.404
- Enforcement
- SD County Sheriff / Noise Control Officer
The Short Version
San Diego County enforces residential noise limits of 50 dBA during daytime hours (7 AM to 10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM) in unincorporated residential and agricultural zones. Sound levels are measured as a one-hour average at the property line. If ambient noise already exceeds the standard, the allowable limit becomes the ambient level plus 3 dB.
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's noise control ordinance is codified in Title 3, Division 6, Chapter 4 of the County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, under Sections 36.401 through 36.435. The chapter is titled "Noise Abatement and Control" and was most recently amended by Ordinance No. 9962 (N.S.), effective January 9, 2009.
Section 36.404 establishes the general sound level limits. In residential and agricultural zones, the maximum one-hour average sound level is 50 dBA during daytime hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime hours (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM). Commercial zones have higher limits of 60 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night. Industrial zones (M50, M52, M54) permit up to 70 dBA at all times, and extractive uses are limited to 75 dBA.
An important provision of the code is the ambient noise adjustment: if the measured ambient level already exceeds the applicable limit in Table 36.404, the allowable one-hour average sound level becomes the ambient noise level plus 3 dB. The ambient level must be measured when the alleged noise source is not operating. Where a property sits on the boundary between two zones, the applicable limit is the arithmetic mean of the two respective zone limits.
Section 36.414 also prohibits specific types of disturbing noise, including operating a radio, musical instrument, or other sound device that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the building or vehicle in which it is located. Animal noise that causes annoyance to a person of normal sensitivity is also addressed.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Violations of the San Diego County noise ordinance are classified as misdemeanors under Section 11.116 of the County Code. A misdemeanor conviction may result in a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in the County Jail for up to six months, or both. The county may also pursue administrative citations starting at $100 for a first offense and increasing to $200, $500, and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The noise control officer has authority to order an immediate cessation of the violation and may summarily abate a public nuisance if there is an immediate threat to health or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in unincorporated San Diego County?
How is noise measured for enforcement purposes?
Who do I call to report a noise complaint in unincorporated San Diego County?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in San Diego County
How does San Diego County compare?
See how San Diego County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.