Decibel Limits: Glendale vs Santa Monica
How do decibel limits rules compare between Glendale, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Glendale and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale enforces presumed ambient noise standards under GMC 8.36.040. Residential (single-family/duplex) zones are limited to 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime exterior. Multifamily residential allows 60 dBA. Commercial zones are set at 65 dBA. Any noise exceeding the presumed ambient plus 5 dBA is a violation.
View full Glendale rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes three noise zones with specific dBA limits. Residential Zone I limits are 50 dBA nighttime and 60 dBA daytime (15-minute Leq). Non-residential Zone II is 60/65 dBA. Industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at all times. A 5 dBA penalty applies for tonal, impulsive, music, or speech content.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 55 dBA (single-family) | - |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA | - |
| Multifamily | 60 dBA anytime | - |
| Commercial | 65 dBA anytime | - |
| Code | GMC 8.36.040 | SMMC §4.12.060 |
| Zone I Day | - | 60 dBA (15-min Leq) |
| Zone I Night | - | 50 dBA (15-min Leq) |
| Zone II Day | - | 65 dBA (15-min Leq) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
What is the noise limit in Glendale residential areas?
Single-family and duplex zones: 55 dBA daytime, 45 dBA nighttime. Multifamily zones: 60 dBA anytime. Any noise exceeding the presumed ambient plus 5 dBA is a violation under GMC 8.36.040.
How does Glendale measure noise violations?
Using the A-weighted scale with slow response at the property line. If noise contains a pure tone or impulsive sound, the standard is reduced by 5 dBA.
Santa Monica FAQ
What are the noise limits in Santa Monica residential areas?
Noise Zone I (residential) limits are 60 dBA during the day (7 AM–10 PM weekdays, 8 AM–10 PM weekends) and 50 dBA at night, measured as a 15-minute equivalent noise level. These are reduced by 5 dBA for tonal noise, music, or speech.
How is noise measured in Santa Monica?
Using A-weighted decibels (dBA) as a 15-minute equivalent noise level (Leq) and a 5-minute continuous noise level. Measurements are taken at the property line of the affected property.
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