San Luis Obispo, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in San Luis Obispo, CA?
| Regulation | Details for San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (805) 781-7312 |
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
San Luis Obispo, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo, CA noise ordinances, detailed in Municipal Code Chapter 9.12 "Noise Control," are a 24/7 regulation. Noise is prohibited if plainly audible 50 feet from the source between 7 AM and 10 PM, and across property lines from 10 PM to 7 AM. Specific decibel limits apply to interior residential and noise-sensitive uses.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 50 dBA Leq (7AM-10PM), 70 dBA Lmax | 45 dBA Leq (10PM-7AM), 65 dBA Lmax |
| Commercial | Not specified; general audibility rules apply | Not specified; general audibility rules apply |
Note: Hourly Leq and Maximum Lmax apply to noise-sensitive uses as per City of San Luis Obispo 1996 data. Interior multifamily residential limits are 45 dBA (day) and 40 dBA (night). Limits are reduced by 5 dB for steady tones, repetitive noise, music, or speech.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and demolition activities at residential properties are restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays and legal holidays. [cite: 19 in previous search]
- Amplified Sound:
Operating loudspeakers or similar devices is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line or violates general exterior noise limits. [cite: 19 in previous search]
- Animals:
It is prohibited to keep or permit any animals that, by any sound or cry, disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
- Vehicles:
Refuse collection vehicles are prohibited from operating between 7:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. within or adjacent to residential areas. The operation of motorized recreational vehicles off public rights-of-way, and the repair/testing of vehicles, motorboats, or aircraft, cannot create noise levels that violate interior noise standards or cause a noise disturbance across a residential property line.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Luis Obispo, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in San Luis Obispo, CA?
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in San Luis Obispo, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 50 dBA Leq (7AM-10PM), 70 dBA Lmax during the day and 45 dBA Leq (10PM-7AM), 65 dBA Lmax 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 San Luis Obispo, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the San Luis Obispo, CA police non-emergency line at (805) 781-7312. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (805) 594-8188.