Santa Monica Decibel Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

SMMC Chapter 4.12 establishes specific numerical noise standards for each land use category in Santa Monica, making it one of the more quantitatively rigorous noise ordinances among Southern California coastal cities. The exterior noise limit in residential zones is 50 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM and drops to 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Interior noise standards for residential units are even more restrictive: 40 dBA during daytime hours and 35 dBA at night. These interior standards are particularly important in Santa Monica's dense multifamily and mixed-use corridors where commercial activity is close to residential units.

For commercial and mixed-use zones, exterior limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Noise sources that produce an audible pure tone, exhibit impulsive character (such as banging or hammering), or consist of clearly distinguishable music, speech, or repetitive mechanical cycles are subject to a 5 dB downward correction, effectively making the standard more restrictive for those sources. Ambient noise surveys may be used to establish baseline levels in noise-impacted areas, and in cases where measured ambient exceeds the standard, the ambient level itself becomes the effective limit. The Santa Monica Police Department handles immediate disturbance calls, while Code Enforcement handles ongoing or business-related noise complaints.