Santa Ana, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Santa Ana, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (714) 245-8665 |
Residential quiet hours are generally from 10 PM to 7 AM, with stricter decibel limits applied during this period.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Santa Ana, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana, CA noise ordinances, primarily Municipal Code Sections 10-153 and 18-308, prohibit loud and raucous noise that unreasonably interferes with peace and quiet at any time. Residential areas have specific decibel limits: 55 dB(A) during the day and 50 dB(A) at night, with a 5 dB(A) reduction for impact, simple tone, speech, or music. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, and/or jail time.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dB(A) (7 AM - 10 PM) | 50 dB(A) (10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified for external noise (interior 50 dBA Leq during operation) | Not specified for external noise (interior 50 dBA Leq during operation) |
Note: For impact noise, simple tone noise, speech, music, or any combination thereof, the permissible noise levels for residential areas are reduced by 5 dB(A).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction, repair, remodeling, or grading activities are exempt from general noise standards between 7 AM and 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. They are prohibited at any time on Sunday or a federal holiday.
- Amplified Sound:
Loud and raucous noise from sound-making or amplifying devices that unreasonably interferes with peace and quiet is prohibited on private or public property. Public events like the Art Walk must conclude amplified sound by 10 PM.
- Animals:
It is a nuisance to keep or permit any animal, including a barking dog, that habitually disturbs the peace or interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of life or property.
- Vehicles:
Noises such as revving a jalopy without a muffler are considered a public nuisance. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds generally cannot be parked on public streets for more than two hours. Parking in front yards is prohibited.
- Property Maintenance:
Activities for the maintenance of real property are permitted between 7 AM and 8 PM on any day except Sunday or a federal holiday, or between 9 AM and 8 PM on Sunday or a federal holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Ana, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Santa Ana, CA?
Residential quiet hours are generally from 10 PM to 7 AM, with stricter decibel limits applied during this period.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Santa Ana, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB(A) (7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and 50 dB(A) (10 PM - 7 AM) 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 Santa Ana, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Santa Ana, CA police non-emergency line at (714) 245-8665. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (714) 667-2780.