Quiet hours in Santa Monica, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Santa Monica enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends/holidays. During quiet hours, residential noise limits drop to 50 dBA (15-minute Leq). Sound amplifying equipment in parks and on beaches is prohibited after 10 PM.
Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.12 establishes quiet hours with reduced noise standards. In Noise Zone I (residential), nighttime limits of 50 dBA (15-min Leq) and 55 dBA (5-min continuous) take effect from 10 PM to 7 AM Monday through Friday, and 10 PM to 8 AM on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. In Noise Zone II (commercial/Pier), nighttime limits of 60 dBA and 65 dBA apply during the same hours. Section 4.12.080 prohibits sound amplifying equipment and musical instruments in City parks, beaches, and recreational facilities after 10 PM. The Community Noise Officer (Police Department) responds to noise complaints during quiet hours. Santa Monica has a strong enforcement culture given the dense urban and residential-tourist mix in the City. Party noise, loud TVs, and other residential disturbances during quiet hours are actively enforced.
Quiet hours violations are infractions with fines starting at $250. Repeat violations may be charged as misdemeanors with penalties up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle quiet hours.
See how Santa Monica's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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