Decibel Limits: Burbank vs El Monte
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and El Monte, CA?
Burbank and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank sets base ambient noise levels under BMC 9-3-208: residential zones at 55 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM), commercial zones at 65 dBA. Noise may not exceed the base ambient by more than 5 dBA for machinery and equipment, or 20 dBA for leaf blowers.
View full Burbank rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control) establishes exterior noise standards. The city L50 standard is 65 dB daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 60 dB nighttime (10 PM-7 AM) for residential zones. Noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA for 15 cumulative minutes is a violation.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) | 65 dBA (7 AM–10 PM) |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) | 60 dBA (10 PM–7 AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA base ambient | - |
| Exceedance | Max +5 dBA above ambient | - |
| Code | BMC 9-3-208 | - |
| Code Section | - | EMMC Ch. 8.36 |
| Ambient +5 Rule | - | May not exceed ambient +5 dBA for 15 min |
| Measurement | - | A-weighted at property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
What is the noise limit in Burbank residential areas?
The base ambient is 55 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). No machinery or equipment may exceed the base ambient by more than 5 dBA under BMC 9-3-208.
What about leaf blower noise in Burbank?
Leaf blowers may not exceed the ambient noise level by more than 20 dBA under BMC 9-3-214. This effectively allows higher levels than other equipment but still imposes a measurable limit.
El Monte FAQ
What are El Monte's residential noise limits?
65 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 60 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM) under Chapter 8.36. Noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA for 15 cumulative minutes is a violation.
How is noise measured in El Monte?
Using A-weighted sound level meters at the receiving property line, as specified in Chapter 8.36.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and El Monte 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