Santa Monica, CA
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Santa Monica, CA.
Ordinance Summary
Santa Monica, CA noise ordinances, primarily found in Municipal Code Chapter 4.12, prohibit unreasonable disturbances affecting peace and comfort. Specific restrictions apply to construction (e.g., Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM), amplified sound (e.g., not after 10 PM weekdays in Noise Zone I), and noisy animals (barking over five continuous minutes). The city generally emphasizes a subjective 'unreasonably disturb' standard.
Quiet Hours
Generally, quiet behavior is expected from 10 PM to 8 AM. Amplified sound is restricted after 10 PM and before 7 AM on weekdays, or 8 AM on weekends, in certain public areas. Construction is prohibited before 8 AM or after 6 PM Monday-Friday, before 9 AM or after 5 PM on Saturday, and all day Sunday and holidays.
Police Non-Emergency
(310) 458-8491Decibel Limits
"Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 addresses exterior noise standards across different Noise Zones, with adjustments for impulsive or simple tone noise, speech, or music. However, the specific base decibel limits for residential and commercial zones are not explicitly provided in the available snippets. The ordinance often relies on a 'unreasonably disturb the peace' standard, particularly in public spaces due to First Amendment considerations."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Santa Monica, CA code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
General construction and demolition activities are prohibited before 8 AM or after 6 PM Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, work is not permitted before 9 AM or after 5 PM. All construction is prohibited on Sundays and on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. City of Santa Monica employees or public utilities have slightly different hours, typically 7 AM to 6 PM Monday-Friday. Activities involving particularly loud equipment like pile drivers or jackhammers are restricted to 10 AM to 3 PM Monday-Friday.
No person shall use or operate sound amplifying equipment in public parks, beaches, or recreational facilities after 10 PM and before 7 AM on weekdays, or 8 AM on weekends. Similar restrictions apply to public sidewalks, streets, alleys, or parkways in Noise Zone I during these hours. Stationary amplified sound in Noise Zone I public areas between 8 PM and 10 PM is limited to a single 45-minute period on more than two days in any seven-day period.
No person shall permit any animal under their control to bark, yell, or cry for more than five continuous minutes or for fifteen total minutes in any sixty-minute period. Animal Control may decline investigation of a complaint without a second complaint from another household about the same animal within 12 hours.
Not specified. The general regulation against unreasonably disturbing the peace may apply to excessively loud vehicle noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
Generally, quiet behavior is expected from 10 PM to 8 AM. Amplified sound is restricted after 10 PM and before 7 AM on weekdays, or 8 AM on weekends, in certain public areas. Construction is prohibited before 8 AM or after 6 PM Monday-Friday, before 9 AM or after 5 PM on Saturday, and all day Sunday and holidays..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: (310) 458-8491.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Santa Monica, CA
SolvedBest Gear for Santa Monica, CA Residents
Ultrasonic Bark Control
Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
The "gold standard" for sleeping. Reduces noise by 24dB without the pain of foam plugs.
1/2" Thick Rug Pad
Essential for the "80% Rule." Adds density to rugs to absorb footfall impact noise for downstairs neighbors.
Hemp Calming Chews
Natural relief for dog anxiety. Perfect for separation anxiety barking or fear of fireworks.
ThunderShirt for Dogs
The best solution for anxiety-induced barking (fireworks, thunder, separation).
Marpac Dohm Classic
The original fan-based machine. Unlike digital loops, this creates real rushing air sound.
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