Decibel Limits: El Monte vs Long Beach
How do decibel limits rules compare between El Monte, CA and Long Beach, CA?
El Monte has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control) establishes exterior noise standards. The city L50 standard is 65 dB daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 60 dB nighttime (10 PM-7 AM) for residential zones. Noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA for 15 cumulative minutes is a violation.
View full El Monte rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach enforces exterior noise limits by district under LBMC 8.80.150. Residential areas (District 1) are limited to 50 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial (District 2) allows 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Industrial zones reach 65-70 dBA.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | EMMC Ch. 8.36 | - |
| Residential Day | 65 dBA (7 AM–10 PM) | 50 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) |
| Residential Night | 60 dBA (10 PM–7 AM) | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) |
| Ambient +5 Rule | May not exceed ambient +5 dBA for 15 min | - |
| Measurement | A-weighted at property line | - |
| Commercial Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Commercial Night | - | 55 dBA |
| Code | - | LBMC 8.80.150-160 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
What are El Monte's residential noise limits?
65 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 60 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM) under Chapter 8.36. Noise exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA for 15 cumulative minutes is a violation.
How is noise measured in El Monte?
Using A-weighted sound level meters at the receiving property line, as specified in Chapter 8.36.
Long Beach FAQ
What is the noise limit in residential areas of Long Beach?
50 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime (10 PM-7 AM) in District 1 (predominantly residential), as set by Table A in LBMC Section 8.80.160.
How are noise violations measured in Long Beach?
By cumulative duration per hour at the receiving property line. Noise exceeding the district standard for more than 30 minutes per hour is a violation, with stricter thresholds at higher dB levels.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Long Beach compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool