Westminster, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Westminster is an incorporated city governed by its own municipal code, not Orange County's code, which only reaches unincorporated areas. Instead of a single curfew, WMC Chapter 8.28 (Noise Control) defines two noise zones and assigns numeric exterior limits by time of day. Section 8.28.030 makes the entire city Zone 1 by default and designates Zone 2 for property in the R2, R3, R4 and R5 land-use districts. Under Section 8.28.040, the Zone 1 exterior limit is 55 dB(A) during both the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 10 p.m.-7 a.m. periods, while Zone 2 allows 60 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. but tightens to 55 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Interior limits in Section 8.28.050 are stricter at night: Zone 1 drops from 55 dB(A) daytime to 45 dB(A) overnight, and Zone 2 from 60 dB(A) to 50 dB(A). Noise containing music, speech, simple-tone or impact content is measured 5 dB(A) lower. The ordinance flags noise as a public nuisance and uses graduated duration thresholds (for example, exceeding the limit by 20 dB(A) for any period is unlawful). Variances are handled through the county noise variance board under Section 8.28.080.