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San Diego noise rules: quiet hours, decibel limits and how to complain

San Diego’s noise rules are in Article 9.5 of Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code (SDMC), “Noise Abatement and Control.” The article has both a general disturbance rule and a table of decibel limits that change with land use and time of day.

Decibel limits by zone and time

Section 59.5.0401 bars noise that pushes the one-hour average sound level over these limits, measured on or beyond the boundary of the property where the noise is made:

• Single-family residential: 50 dB from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 45 dB from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., 40 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Multi-family residential (up to a maximum density of 1/2000): 55, 50 and 45 dB for the same periods
• All other residential: 60, 55 and 50 dB
• Commercial: 65 dB from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 60 dB from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Industrial or agricultural: 75 dB at any time

On the boundary between two zones, the limit is the average of the two. These are one-hour averages, which is a different thing from a single loud moment. The San Diego Police Department’s noise page summarizes it this way: reduced noise levels apply in residential zones generally between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The city amended this section in 2026 (O-22109, effective July 15, 2026). The code notes that those amendments do not apply in the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies them.

The general rule

Section 59.5.0501 bans “any disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.” Factors include the level, whether the noise is usual, how close it is to sleeping areas, the time, how long it lasts and whether it repeats. This rule works without a meter.

Music, TVs and speakers

Section 59.5.0502(b) prohibits using a stereo, TV, instrument, speaker or similar device in a way that disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity anywhere in the city. Two situations are prima facie violations:

• Operating such a device between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. so that it is plainly audible 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle it is in
• An amplified system audible at 50 feet that also makes a person aware of vibration 50 feet from the source

Barking dogs

Under § 59.5.0502(c), keeping an animal that annoys a reasonable person nearby with “frequent or long-continued noise” is a violation. The code sets a test for prima facie evidence: the noise disturbs two or more residents in separate homes next to the property, or three or more residents in separate homes close by. With a barking dog, it helps if one or two other neighbors will also complain.

SDPD’s noise page says the police department does not respond to barking dog calls. It points residents to talking with the owner, the landlord, mediation through the National Conflict Resolution Center (619-238-2400), or a Request for Investigation with the city’s Building and Land Use Enforcement.

Construction hours

Section 59.5.0404 bars construction, demolition, excavation and repair that creates disturbing, excessive or offensive noise between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., on Sundays, and on legal holidays listed in § 21.0104 (except Columbus Day and Washington’s Birthday), unless the Noise Abatement and Control Administrator has issued a permit. During the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. window, construction may not cause an average sound level over 75 decibels at the property line of residentially zoned property.

Leaf blowers may not run in residential areas between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays, or between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends and legal holidays (§ 59.5.0502(g)).

Who to contact

For noisy neighbors, SDPD says to call the non-emergency line, 619-531-2000, while the noise is happening. If the noise has stopped by the time officers arrive, they cannot take enforcement action unless you are willing to sign a complaint. SDPD also suggests a courtesy knock, contacting the landlord, and mediation. Call 911 for emergencies.

Penalties

A violation of Article 9.5 is a misdemeanor. On conviction, the fine can be up to $1,000, jail up to six months, or both, and each day is a separate offense (§ 59.5.0601). After a conviction for a prima facie violation, the prosecutor can ask the court to order the sound equipment destroyed.

Keeping a record

Because officers need the noise to be going on when they arrive, or a signed complaint, a record of past incidents helps when you go to your landlord or to mediation. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the date, time, length and estimated levels, and it can make a PDF report or complaint letter from the log. The city’s limits are one-hour averages taken with proper equipment, so treat the phone’s numbers as rough estimates.

Sources

• SDMC ch. 5, art. 9.5, div. 4: Limits (§§ 59.5.0401, 59.5.0404)
• SDMC ch. 5, art. 9.5, div. 5: Public Nuisance Noise (§§ 59.5.0501, 59.5.0502)
• SDMC ch. 5, art. 9.5, div. 6: Violations and Enforcement (§ 59.5.0601)
• San Diego Police Department: Noise complaints

Last checked 2026-10-16. Laws change; check the official code before acting. Not legal advice.