Santa Monica Quiet Hours Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Monica's noise ordinance under SMMC Chapter 4.12 establishes strict noise control standards for this densely populated coastal city. The ordinance sets exterior noise standards based on land use zones: residential areas are limited to 50 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM, while commercial areas allow 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Interior noise standards are even more restrictive at 40 dBA daytime and 35 dBA nighttime for residential properties.

Section 4.12.050 lists specific prohibited acts including operating loudspeakers or amplified sound across residential property lines during quiet hours, using domestic power tools (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws) between 10 PM and 7 AM, and allowing persistently barking dogs to create a disturbance. Noise that contains an audible tone, is impulsive in character, or consists of music or speech reduces the allowable limit by 5 dB. The city takes noise complaints seriously and residents can file complaints with the Santa Monica Police Department or through the City's online complaint portal.