Amplified Music & Events: Altadena vs Carson
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Amplified music and sound devices in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Chapter 12.08 (Noise Control). Residential areas: 45 dB nighttime (10 PM-7 AM), 50 dB daytime. Sound amplifying equipment in or within 500 ft of residential zones is restricted for commercial purposes.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Amplified music, loudspeakers, and sound trucks in Carson are regulated under LA County Code §12.08.490 (Sound Trucks and Amplified Sound) and §12.08.530 (Plainly Audible Standard), adopted by reference through CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5. Plainly-audible amplified sound from 50 feet away in residential areas is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Night | 45 dB (10 PM-7 AM) | - |
| Residential Day | 50 dB (7 AM-10 PM) | - |
| Commercial Use | Restricted near residential | - |
| Reference | Title 12, Chapter 12.08 | - |
| Plainly-audible rule | - | Audible at 50 ft = violation between 10 p.m.-7 a.m. |
| Sound truck permit | - | Required under LA County §12.08.490 |
| Governing code | - | LA County Code §12.08.490 / §12.08.530 (via CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5) |
| CUP venues | - | Subject to additional conditions under CMC Art. IX Zoning |
| Enforcement | - | LA County Sheriff - Carson Station + Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
What are the noise hours for amplified music in LA County?
Amplified sound must not be audible beyond the property line between 10 PM and 7 AM weekdays, or 10 PM and 8 AM weekends. Daytime amplified sound cannot exceed 5 dB above ambient noise at the property line.
Do I need a permit for a party with amplified music?
Not for an occasional private party that stays within noise limits. Large events or recurring parties may require a Temporary Use Permit from the Department of Regional Planning at (213) 974-6411.
How do I file a noise complaint about amplified music?
Call the LA County Sheriff's non-emergency line at (323) 267-4800 for immediate noise disturbances. For ongoing issues, file a code enforcement complaint at (888) 756-2700.
Carson FAQ
Can I have a DJ at my backyard party?
Yes, during permissible hours (before 10 p.m.), provided the amplified sound is not plainly audible at 50 feet from your property line. After 10 p.m. it must be brought inside or shut down.
Do I need a permit for amplified sound at a public event?
Yes. LA County Code §12.08.490 requires a sound-amplifying device permit for public-place amplification. Apply through Carson City Hall / LA County Sheriff.
What about concerts at Dignity Health Sports Park?
Stadium events operate under separate noise-mitigation conditions tied to the CSU Dominguez Hills CUP and CEQA findings - not the general residential noise ordinance.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Carson compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool