Decibel Limits: Altadena vs Glendale
How do decibel limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Glendale, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Glendale.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Exterior noise in Altadena's residential zones is capped at 50 dBA daytime / 45 dBA nighttime (single-family); 55/50 dBA (multi-family); 60/55 dBA commercial; 70 dBA all hours industrial.
View full Altadena rules →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale enforces presumed ambient noise standards under GMC 8.36.040. Residential (single-family/duplex) zones are limited to 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime exterior. Multifamily residential allows 60 dBA. Commercial zones are set at 65 dBA. Any noise exceeding the presumed ambient plus 5 dBA is a violation.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County 12.08.390 | - |
| R-1 Day Limit | 50 dBA | - |
| R-1 Night Limit | 45 dBA | - |
| Multi-family Day/Night | 55 / 50 dBA | - |
| Commercial Day/Night | 60 / 55 dBA | - |
| Residential Day | - | 55 dBA (single-family) |
| Residential Night | - | 45 dBA |
| Multifamily | - | 60 dBA anytime |
| Commercial | - | 65 dBA anytime |
| Code | - | GMC 8.36.040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
What's the legal decibel limit at my Altadena property line?
50 dBA day / 45 dBA night for single-family residential under LA County Code 12.08.390.
Glendale FAQ
What is the noise limit in Glendale residential areas?
Single-family and duplex zones: 55 dBA daytime, 45 dBA nighttime. Multifamily zones: 60 dBA anytime. Any noise exceeding the presumed ambient plus 5 dBA is a violation under GMC 8.36.040.
How does Glendale measure noise violations?
Using the A-weighted scale with slow response at the property line. If noise contains a pure tone or impulsive sound, the standard is reduced by 5 dBA.
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