Noise Ordinances in Long Beach, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Long Beach or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Long Beach has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Quiet Hours
Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 8.80 prohibits unreasonable noise. Residential quiet hours are generally 10 PM–7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM–9 AM on weekends.
Key details: Code: LBMC §8.80. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM weekdays / 10 PM–9 AM weekends. Enforcement: LBPD + Health Dept. Contact: (562) 570-4132.
Violation of Chapter 8.80 may result in fines or imprisonment, or both. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Barking Dogs
Persistent barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Long Beach's noise ordinance under LBMC §8.80 and animal nuisance provisions.
Key details: Code: LBMC §8.80. Enforcement: Animal Care Services + LBPD. Remedy: Noise complaint or animal nuisance filing. State Law: CA Penal Code §415 (fallback).
Administrative citations escalate: $100 for first violation, $200 for second violation within one year, and $500 for subsequent violations within one year. A 25% late charge applies for unpaid fines. Unpaid penalties may result in liens against property, small claims filings, or revocation of City permits.
Leaf Blower Rules
Leaf blowers in Long Beach are restricted under LBMC §8.80.202. In or within 400 ft of residential areas: Mon-Fri 7 AM-8 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM, Sun/holidays 11 AM-5 PM. Gas-powered blowers are not banned but must comply with hours.
Key details: Weekdays: 7 AM - 8 PM. Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM. Sun/Holidays: 11 AM - 5 PM. Code: LBMC §8.80.202.
Violation of the noise ordinance is a misdemeanor under LBMC 8.80, punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both.
Industrial Noise
Industrial noise in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80 and the city's zoning code Ch. 12.32. The city's Noise Control Program monitors industrial sources. The Harbor District has separate noise provisions.
Key details: Code: LBMC Ch. 8.80, Ch. 12.32. Harbor District: Separate noise standards. Monitoring: Noise Control Program. Enforcement: Health & Human Services.
Industrial noise violations carry fines of $250–$2,500 per occurrence. Chronic violators face operating permit review and potential conditional use permit revocation. Abatement orders require compliance within 30 days.
Decibel Limits
Long Beach enforces exterior noise limits by district under LBMC 8.80.150. Residential areas (District 1) are limited to 50 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial (District 2) allows 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Industrial zones reach 65-70 dBA.
Key details: Residential Day: 50 dBA (7 AM-10 PM). Residential Night: 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial Day: 60 dBA. Commercial Night: 55 dBA. Code: LBMC 8.80.150-160.
Misdemeanor: fines up to $500 and/or up to 180 days imprisonment. Noise variances may be issued by the Noise Control Office for temporary exemptions.
This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Outdoor Music
Long Beach prohibits loudspeakers and amplified sound systems that create a noise disturbance across residential property lines between 10 PM and 7 AM under LBMC 8.80.200. At all other times, amplified sound must comply with exterior noise limits in Section 8.80.150. Variances require Noise Control Office approval.
Key details: Prohibited Hours: 10 PM-7 AM (residential). Daytime Limit: Must meet 50 dBA residential. Variance: Noise Control Office. Code: LBMC 8.80.200.
Misdemeanor: fines up to $500 and/or up to 180 days imprisonment. Operating without an entertainment permit: additional citation. Entertainment permits may be revoked for repeated violations.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its outdoor music requirements.
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified music in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80. Noise that exceeds established decibel levels for the zone is prohibited. Nightclubs and bars with amplified music face additional sound attenuation requirements.
Key details: Code: LBMC Ch. 8.80. Standard: Must not exceed zone dB levels. Enforcement: Health Dept + LBPD. Variances: Available from Noise Control Officer.
Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500, imprisonment up to 180 days, or both per LBMC 8.80. The LBPD handles complaints about loud music; for non-emergency noise disturbances call (562) 435-6711.
Construction Hours
Construction with a city permit is allowed weekdays 7 AM–7 PM and Saturdays 9 AM–6 PM. No construction noise on Sundays or holidays.
Key details: Weekdays: 7 AM–7 PM. Saturdays: 9 AM–6 PM. Sundays: Not permitted. Variance: Available from Noise Control Officer.
Fines and potential imprisonment per LBMC §8.80. Co-defendants may include the landowner, contractor, and employer.
Aircraft Noise
Long Beach Airport (LGB) operates under a Noise Compatibility Program. The city has a Noise Abatement Program with curfews for Stage 2 jets and nighttime restrictions.
Key details: Airport: Long Beach Airport (LGB). Curfew: Stage 2 jets restricted overnight. Complaints: flylgb.com. Federal Preemption: FAA controls airspace/overflights.
Curfew violations: airline fines up to $100,000 per occurrence. Noise budget exceedances: slot reductions. Repeated violations: potential airport access restrictions.
Long Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to aircraft noise. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Long Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise ordinances. Out of the 9 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Long Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Long Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.