Decibel Limits: Altadena vs Pasadena
How do decibel limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
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 →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena prohibits noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at any property line under PMC Section 9.36.050. Construction equipment limited to 85 dBA at 100 feet. Amplified sound on private property cannot exceed 15 dB above ambient. Interior noise in multifamily residential must not exceed 50 dBA.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Property Line | - | Ambient + 5 dB max |
| Construction | - | 85 dBA at 100 ft |
| Interior (Multi) | - | 50 dBA |
| Code | - | PMC Ch. 9.36 |
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.
Pasadena FAQ
What is the noise limit in Pasadena?
Noise cannot exceed the ambient level by more than 5 decibels at any property line under PMC Section 9.36.050. Ambient is measured as a 15-minute average.
What is the construction equipment noise limit?
Individual pieces of construction equipment cannot generate noise exceeding 85 dBA at a distance of 100 feet under Section 9.36.070.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Pasadena 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