Quiet hours in Santa Ana, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Santa Ana enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under SAMC Chapter 18, Article VI (Noise Control). Residential exterior noise is limited to 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, with graduated enforcement thresholds for cumulative violations.
Santa Ana Municipal Code Sec. 18-312 establishes exterior noise standards for residential Noise Zone 1: 55 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Violations are measured at the receiving residential property line. The ordinance uses graduated thresholds: exceeding the standard by 5 dBA for more than 15 minutes per hour, by 10 dBA for more than 5 minutes, by 15 dBA for more than 1 minute, or by 20 dBA for any period are all unlawful. Interior noise standards under Sec. 18-313 are 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime. Where ambient noise exceeds the baseline, the allowable cumulative period is adjusted accordingly.
Administrative citation with progressive fines up to $100, $200, and $500 for subsequent violations within one year. Continued non-compliance may result in criminal prosecution by the City Attorney.
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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 Santa Ana's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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