Oceanside, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Oceanside, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Oceanside, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (760) 435-4900 |
Generally 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with specific variations for certain activities and days.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Oceanside, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Oceanside, CA?
Oceanside, CA's Noise Control Ordinance, Chapter 38 of the Municipal Code, prohibits disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise causing discomfort to reasonable persons. It outlines specific quiet hours, decibel limits for certain zones, and restrictions on activities like construction, amplified sound, and animal noise. Violations can lead to fines and, for repeated offenses, misdemeanor charges.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified | Not specified |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: The Noise Control Ordinance contains maximum 1-hour average sound levels for various land uses. For the Downtown base district zone, operational noise limits are 65 dBA Leq from 7:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. (daytime) and 55 dBA Leq from 10:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. (nighttime). Construction noise should not exceed 85 dB at 100 feet. Interior noise from exterior sources should not exceed 45 dBA CNEL in habitable rooms.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
It is unlawful to operate certain construction equipment (e.g., pile drivers, power shovels, pneumatic equipment) in residential zones or within 500 feet thereof between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if the noise generated exceeds 50 dBA at any property line, unless an emergency exists. General building construction work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, work that is not inherently noise-producing is permitted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but concrete pours and roof nailing are not allowed. No work is permitted on Sundays and Federal Holidays, except for emergency work. Grading and equipment operations within ½ mile of a structure used for human occupancy are limited to Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Amplified Sound:
The use or operation of any sound production or reproduction device, radio, musical instrument, loudspeaker, or amplifier in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort of a reasonable person is prohibited. Operation plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet is prima facie evidence of a violation. For short-term rental units, no amplified or reproduced sound, or any other disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise, shall be audible from the property line between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Animals:
The keeping of any animal or bird that, by causing frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort or repose of any person of normal sensitivity is prohibited. Barking dog complaints are handled by the San Diego Humane Society.
- Vehicles:
The intentional sounding of any horn or other signaling device on any vehicle, except as a danger warning, is prohibited, as is creating unreasonably loud or harsh sounds or sounding for an unnecessary period.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oceanside, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Oceanside, CA?
Generally 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with specific variations for certain activities and days.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Oceanside, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified during the day and Not specified at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Oceanside, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Oceanside, CA police non-emergency line at (760) 435-4900. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (760) 435-4500.