Amplified Music & Events: Carson vs Long Beach
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Amplified music, loudspeakers, and sound trucks in Carson are regulated under LA County Code §12.08.490 (Sound Trucks and Amplified Sound) and §12.08.530 (Plainly Audible Standard), adopted by reference through CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5. Plainly-audible amplified sound from 50 feet away in residential areas is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
View full Carson rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Amplified music in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80. Noise that exceeds established decibel levels for the zone is prohibited. Nightclubs and bars with amplified music face additional sound attenuation requirements.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Plainly-audible rule | Audible at 50 ft = violation between 10 p.m.-7 a.m. | - |
| Sound truck permit | Required under LA County §12.08.490 | - |
| Governing code | LA County Code §12.08.490 / §12.08.530 (via CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5) | - |
| CUP venues | Subject to additional conditions under CMC Art. IX Zoning | - |
| Enforcement | LA County Sheriff - Carson Station + Code Enforcement | Health Dept + LBPD |
| Code | - | LBMC Ch. 8.80 |
| Standard | - | Must not exceed zone dB levels |
| Variances | - | Available from Noise Control Officer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can I have a DJ at my backyard party?
Yes, during permissible hours (before 10 p.m.), provided the amplified sound is not plainly audible at 50 feet from your property line. After 10 p.m. it must be brought inside or shut down.
Do I need a permit for amplified sound at a public event?
Yes. LA County Code §12.08.490 requires a sound-amplifying device permit for public-place amplification. Apply through Carson City Hall / LA County Sheriff.
What about concerts at Dignity Health Sports Park?
Stadium events operate under separate noise-mitigation conditions tied to the CSU Dominguez Hills CUP and CEQA findings - not the general residential noise ordinance.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I play loud music outside in Long Beach?
Amplified music must comply with residential noise limits under LBMC 8.80.150, with an additional 5 dB reduction applied because it contains informational content. Loudspeakers are completely prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM if audible across residential property lines.
What is the decibel limit for music in Long Beach?
Music is subject to standard residential limits minus 5 dB: effectively 45 dBA (L50) daytime and 40 dBA (L50) nighttime at the receiving residential property, per LBMC 8.80.150 and 8.80.160.
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