🇺🇸 United States - America/Los_Angeles (local time 6:55 PM)
Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in San Diego, California
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (City guidance for residential areas).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same guidance).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-19:00; average <=75 dBA Leq (12-hr) at residential property line during those hours.
Construction weekends: Saturday generally allowed within 07:00-19:00; Sundays and listed legal holidays are prohibited without a noise permit.
In San Diego, keep residential noise down between 22:00-07:00. Property-line sound limits vary by zone (see Section 59.5.0401) and construction is restricted outside 07:00-19:00 and on Sundays/holidays without a permit (Section 59.5.0404).
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (City guidance for residential areas).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same guidance).
Decibel limits
50 dBA daytime / 40 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-19:00; average <=75 dBA Leq (12-hr) at residential property line during those hours.
Weekends: Saturday generally allowed within 07:00-19:00; Sundays and listed legal holidays are prohibited without a noise permit.
Lawn equipment
Leaf blowers banned 19:00-08:00 (weekdays) and 17:00-09:00 (weekends/holidays); <=65 dBA at 50 ft.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
'Disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise' is prohibited (Section 59.5.0501). One-hour Leq property-line limits apply by zone (for example, in single-family areas, 40 dBA from 22:00-07:00 per Section 59.5.0401).
Typical fines
Citations/administrative enforcement apply; specific amounts are set under the City's citation schedule and not enumerated in the sections cited.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via San Diego Police Non-Emergency (619-531-2000) while noise is occurring.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.sandiego.gov/police/community/noise-complaints or call San Diego Police Non-Emergency (619-531-2000) while noise is occurring.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi neighbor - San Diego asks residents to keep things quiet 10 p.m.-7 a.m., and there are property-line limits at night. Could we turn it down a bit this evening? Thank you!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, I'm hearing nighttime noise that appears inconsistent with San Diego's noise limits (Chapter 5, Article 9.5). Would you please contact the tenant to resolve it?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: San Diego Municipal Code, Chapter 5, Article 9.5 - Noise Abatement and Control
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Call the non-emergency line while the noise is happening so officers can verify.
- For construction noise, ask whether a night/Sunday permit was issued under Section 59.5.0404.
- Leaf blowers: confirm both time limits and the 65 dBA at 50 ft requirement before citing.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.