Decibel Limits: Altadena vs Los Angeles
How do decibel limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapter XI (Noise Regulation) sets zone-based decibel limits ranging from 45 dBA in residential zones at night to 75 dBA in industrial zones.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 night limit | - | 45 dBA (10pm-7am) |
| Residential day limit | - | 55 dBA (7am-10pm) |
| Commercial zone limit | - | 60-65 dBA |
| Industrial zone limit | - | 65-75 dBA |
| Standard | - | Ambient plus 5 dBA |
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can my neighbor be cited if I hear them through the wall?
Yes. LAMC uses a plainly-audible standard at the property line during night hours, and LAPD can issue citations without a formal sound meter reading when violations are clear.
How do I report a noise violation?
Call LA 311 for non-emergency noise complaints or LAPD non-emergency dispatch for active disturbances. Persistent issues can be referred to the Bureau of Street Services.
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