Code Compliance & City Ordinances

398 - Noise Ordinance

Because certain sounds at certain levels can be harmful to the health and welfare of citizens, the Santa Monica City Council prohibits excessive and annoying sounds inside the city limits. The city's noise ordinance regulates specific times that certain noise sources can be operated and defines noise thresholds within the city's limits. A separate Airport Noise Ordinance regulates aircraft flying into and out of the Santa Monica Airport.

A number of events or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance. These include continuously barking dogs, noisy construction equipment, loud celebrations or parties, horns and signaling devices not being used for a danger warning, radios and TV sets, engine repair and testing.

Information about the city's noise ordinance is available from the City Clerk's Office on the first floor of City Hall, 1685 Main Street, or by calling (310) 458-8211, or on the web in Article 4 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. To report a noise ordinance violation, contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491. For information and noise complaints related to Santa Monica Airport, please call (310) 458-8692.