Decibel Limits: Carson vs Inglewood
How do decibel limits rules compare between Carson, CA and Inglewood, CA?
Carson and Inglewood have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson Municipal Code Art. 4 Ch. 5 adopts LA County Code Title 12 Ch. 12.08 by reference. Section 12.08.390 sets exterior decibel standards by Noise Zone (defined in §12.08.380). Residential (Zone I): 50 dBA daytime 7 a.m.–10 p.m. / 45 dBA nighttime 10 p.m.–7 a.m. Commercial (Zone II): 65 dBA day / 60 dBA night. Industrial (Zone III): 70 dBA at all hours. The standards are measured at the property line of the receiving property. Graduated exceedance allowances (§12.08.390): base standard for 30+ min/hour; +5 dBA for 15–30 min/hr; +10 dBA for 5–15 min/hr; +15 dBA for 1–5 min/hr; +20 dBA for less than 1 min/hr; never above ambient + 20 dBA in any case. If the ambient L50 already exceeds the table value, ambient L50 becomes the baseline. Plainly-audible-from-100-feet (residential) and similar nuisance standards under §12.08.560 also apply for amplified sound, animals, and parties.
View full Carson rules →Inglewood, CA
Los Angeles County
Inglewood Municipal Code Sections 5-30 and 5-31 establish maximum noise levels based on zone and duration. Noise exceeding these levels when measured on another property is unlawful. Section 5-32 reduces permitted levels by 5 dBA for impact, repetitive, or simple tone noise. Section 5-27 defines base ambient noise levels by zone classification.
View full Inglewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Inglewood |
|---|---|---|
| Residential exterior limit | 50 dBA day (7a–10p) / 45 dBA night (10p–7a) | - |
| Commercial exterior limit | 65 dBA day / 60 dBA night | - |
| Industrial exterior limit | 70 dBA all hours | - |
| Multi-family interior limit | 45 dBA day / 40 dBA night | - |
| Measurement standard | ANSI Type 1/2 SLM, A-weighted, slow response (§12.08.220) | - |
| Construction hours | 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays; no Sunday/holiday (§12.08.440) | - |
| Maximum exceedance | +20 dBA for less than 1 min/hr; +15 dBA for 1–5 min/hr | - |
| Penalty range | Up to $1,000 + 6 mo jail (LA Co. §12.08.030) / Carson admin $100–$500 | - |
| Exterior | - | IMC Section 5-30 |
| Interior | - | IMC Section 5-31 |
| Impact/Tone | - | Reduce 5 dBA (Sec. 5-32) |
| Ambient Baseline | - | Section 5-27 by zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
What is Carson's nighttime residential noise limit?
45 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., measured at your property line — per LA County Code §12.08.390 (Noise Zone I), adopted by Carson Municipal Code Art. 4 Ch. 5.
Do I need a sound level meter to file a noise complaint?
No. While the formal standard is a measured dBA reading, Carson Code Enforcement and the LA County Sheriff's Carson Station respond to plainly-audible-from-50-feet violations and may issue citations based on officer observation under LA County Code §12.08.560 (amplified sound) and §12.08.570 (animal noise).
What if my neighbor's stereo is loud but only for 5 minutes at a time?
Short-duration loud noise is still regulated by a graduated table — +15 dBA above the standard is allowed for 1–5 minutes per hour, but not more. Sustained amplified sound audible at 50 ft in a residential zone is a per se violation regardless of duration.
Are emergency generators and HVAC equipment regulated?
Yes — stationary mechanical equipment must comply with the property-line dBA limits. Carson's Building Code (CMC Art. 4) and CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 §5.507 also require noise attenuation for new commercial HVAC located near residential.
Inglewood FAQ
What are the noise limits in Inglewood?
Sections 5-30 and 5-31 set maximum levels based on zone and duration. Impact, repetitive, or tone noise limits are reduced by 5 dB(A) under Section 5-32.
How are noise complaints handled in Inglewood?
Code Enforcement and the Inglewood Police Department investigate noise complaints. File reports through the city's nuisance complaint process.
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