San Diego Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Quiet Hours
- 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Daytime Residential Limit
- 60 dB
- Nighttime Residential Limit
- 50 dB
- HVAC Rule
- Max 1 dB above ambient at property line
- Fine Range
- $100 – $1,000
The Short Version
San Diego enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential zones. The daytime limit is 60 dB and nighttime drops to 50 dB, measured at the property line. What's unusual about San Diego is the "one dB over ambient" rule for HVAC and mechanical equipment — your AC unit can't be more than 1 dB above the existing background noise at your neighbor's property. This catches a lot of homeowners off guard when they install new heat pumps or pool equipment. Complaints go through the city's Environmental Services department or through police non-emergency.
Full Breakdown
San Diego's noise ordinance (Municipal Code Section 59.5.0101 through 59.5.0601) sets clear decibel limits by zone and time of day. Residential zones get 60 dB daytime and 50 dB nighttime protection. Mixed-use zones allow up to 65/60, and commercial zones go to 70/65.
The mechanical equipment clause is San Diego's distinctive twist. Any permanently installed equipment — air conditioners, pool pumps, generators — can't produce noise that's more than 1 dB above the ambient level at the nearest property line. Since ambient noise in quiet residential neighborhoods can be as low as 35-40 dB, this effectively means your equipment needs to be whisper-quiet from your neighbor's perspective.
The city handles noise enforcement through both the Environmental Services department (for ongoing issues and mechanical equipment) and the San Diego Police Department (for party noise and immediate disturbances). The SDPD can issue citations on the spot, while Environmental Services takes a more investigation-based approach.
What Happens If You Violate This?
First offense typically brings a warning. Fines range from $100 to $1,000 depending on severity and repeat status. Mechanical equipment violations require corrective action within 30 days or face daily fines of $250. The city can also pursue civil abatement for chronic noise sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor just installed a heat pump and it's loud — what can I do?
Are there different rules near the beach?
Can my landlord evict me over a noise complaint?
How does San Diego compare?
See how San Diego's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.