Decibel Limits: Altadena vs Palmdale
How do decibel limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Palmdale.
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 →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Section 12.08.390 establishes tiered exterior noise standards by zone for unincorporated areas. Residential limits are 50 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial zones allow 60/55 dBA and industrial zones allow 70 dBA at all times.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County 12.08.390 | §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 | - | 50 dBA |
| Residential Night | - | 45 dBA |
| Commercial Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 70 dBA always |
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.
Palmdale FAQ
What are the decibel limits in unincorporated LA County?
Residential areas are limited to 50 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. Commercial zones allow 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Industrial zones permit 70 dBA at all times.
How are noise violations measured in LA County?
Noise is measured at the property line of the affected party using the A-weighted decibel scale. Duration matters too — exceeding limits for more than 30 minutes per hour triggers Standard No. 1.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Palmdale 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