Decibel Limits: Burbank vs West Covina
How do decibel limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and West Covina, CA?
Burbank and West Covina 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 →West Covina, CA
Los Angeles County
West Covina Municipal Code Article IV (Sections 15-91 through 15-97) prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise in residential zones. Noise plainly audible at 50 feet from the property line is presumed a violation. Standards are reduced by 5 dB for tones, repetitive noise, music, or speech.
View full West Covina rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | WCMC Art. IV §15-91–97 |
| Audibility Test | - | 50 ft from property line |
| Tone/Music Penalty | - | -5 dB reduction |
| Engine Curfew | - | 8 PM – 8 AM |
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.
West Covina FAQ
How is a noise violation determined in West Covina?
If noise is plainly audible at 50 feet from the property line, it is presumed a violation under Section 15-94. For tonal, repetitive, music, or speech content, the threshold is reduced by 5 dB.
Can I run a leaf blower at night in West Covina?
No. Between 8 PM and 8 AM, operating gasoline-powered engines like leaf blowers, mowers, or chain saws within a residential zone or within 500 feet is unlawful under Section 15-95.
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