Decibel Limits: Burbank vs Long Beach
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach enforces exterior noise limits by district under LBMC 8.80.150. Residential areas (District 1) are limited to 50 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial (District 2) allows 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Industrial zones reach 65-70 dBA.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) | 50 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA base ambient | - |
| Exceedance | Max +5 dBA above ambient | - |
| Code | BMC 9-3-208 | LBMC 8.80.150-160 |
| Commercial Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Commercial Night | - | 55 dBA |
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.
Long Beach FAQ
What is the noise limit in residential areas of Long Beach?
50 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime (10 PM-7 AM) in District 1 (predominantly residential), as set by Table A in LBMC Section 8.80.160.
How are noise violations measured in Long Beach?
By cumulative duration per hour at the receiving property line. Noise exceeding the district standard for more than 30 minutes per hour is a violation, with stricter thresholds at higher dB levels.
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