Decibel Limits: Burbank vs Los Angeles
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
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 →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 | Burbank | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) | - |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) | - |
| Commercial | 65 dBA base ambient | - |
| Exceedance | Max +5 dBA above ambient | - |
| Code | BMC 9-3-208 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and Los Angeles 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