Decibel Limits: Burbank vs South San Gabriel
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than South San Gabriel.
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 →South San Gabriel, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Section 12.08.390 establishes tiered exterior noise standards by zone for unincorporated areas. Residential limits are 50 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial zones allow 60/55 dBA and industrial zones allow 70 dBA at all times.
View full South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) | 50 dBA |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) | 45 dBA |
| Commercial | 65 dBA base ambient | - |
| Exceedance | Max +5 dBA above ambient | - |
| Code | BMC 9-3-208 | - |
| Code Section | - | §12.08.390 |
| Commercial Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 70 dBA always |
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.
South San Gabriel FAQ
What are the decibel limits in unincorporated LA County?
Residential areas are limited to 50 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. Commercial zones allow 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Industrial zones permit 70 dBA at all times.
How are noise violations measured in LA County?
Noise is measured at the property line of the affected party using the A-weighted decibel scale. Duration matters too — exceeding limits for more than 30 minutes per hour triggers Standard No. 1.
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