Santa Monica, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Nighttime quiet hours (Zone I, Mon–Fri)
- 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.
- Nighttime quiet hours (Zone I, Sat–Sun)
- 10 p.m. – 8 a.m.
- Residential nighttime limit (15-min Leq)
- 50 dBA
- Residential daytime limit (15-min Leq)
- 55 dBA
- Speech/music penalty
- Additional 5 dBA reduction required
Summary
In residential zones (Noise Zone I), noise must stay at or below 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, or 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends.
§ 4.12.060. Exterior noise standards. (a) The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property with a designated noise zone during the times indicated:
Noise Zone I II III Time Interval Monday--Friday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Saturday and Sunday 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.: All days of week 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Anytime Allowable Leq 15-minute continuous / 5-minute continuous measurement period:
50 dBA 60 dBA [Zone I night] 55 dBA 65 dBA [Zone I day] 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA [Zone II/III] 65 dBA 70 dBA 75 dBA
(b) For each Noise Zone, the allowable exterior equivalent noise level shall be reduced by five dBA for impulsive or simple tone noise, or for noises consisting of speech or music. If the ambient noise level exceeds the allowable exterior noise level standard, the ambient noise level shall be the standard.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica divides the city into three noise zones. Zone I covers all residential districts, with nighttime quiet starting at 10 p.m. on weekdays (until 7 a.m.) and on weekends (until 8 a.m.). The daytime limit is 55 dBA. Speech and music sources receive an additional 5 dBA reduction. If ambient noise already exceeds the limit, the ambient level becomes the standard.
Violations & Fines
Violating exterior noise standards is a public offense. Infractions carry fines up to $250; misdemeanors carry fines up to $500 or up to 6 months in county jail, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does quiet time start in Santa Monica residential neighborhoods?
Does the noise limit change for parties or amplified music?
What if background traffic is already louder than 50 dBA?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
How Santa Monica compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle quiet hours.