Decibel Limits: Burbank vs Santa Monica
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes three noise zones with specific dBA limits. Residential Zone I limits are 50 dBA nighttime and 60 dBA daytime (15-minute Leq). Non-residential Zone II is 60/65 dBA. Industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at all times. A 5 dBA penalty applies for tonal, impulsive, music, or speech content.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | SMMC §4.12.060 |
| Zone I Day | - | 60 dBA (15-min Leq) |
| Zone I Night | - | 50 dBA (15-min Leq) |
| Zone II Day | - | 65 dBA (15-min Leq) |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
What are the noise limits in Santa Monica residential areas?
Noise Zone I (residential) limits are 60 dBA during the day (7 AM–10 PM weekdays, 8 AM–10 PM weekends) and 50 dBA at night, measured as a 15-minute equivalent noise level. These are reduced by 5 dBA for tonal noise, music, or speech.
How is noise measured in Santa Monica?
Using A-weighted decibels (dBA) as a 15-minute equivalent noise level (Leq) and a 5-minute continuous noise level. Measurements are taken at the property line of the affected property.
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