Outdoor Music: Long Beach vs Pasadena
How do outdoor music rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach prohibits loudspeakers and amplified sound systems that create a noise disturbance across residential property lines between 10 PM and 7 AM under LBMC 8.80.200. At all other times, amplified sound must comply with exterior noise limits in Section 8.80.150. Variances require Noise Control Office approval.
View full Long Beach rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena regulates amplified sound under PMC Sections 9.36.150-9.36.160. Sound amplifying equipment is prohibited 10 PM to 8 AM Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays and holidays for commercial use. Amplified music on private property cannot exceed 15 dB above ambient. Equipment prohibited within 200 feet of churches, schools, and hospitals without written consent.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited Hours | 10 PM-7 AM (residential) | - |
| Daytime Limit | Must meet 50 dBA residential | - |
| Variance | Noise Control Office | - |
| Code | LBMC 8.80.200 | - |
| Private Property | - | Ambient + 15 dB max |
| Hours (Commercial) | - | 8 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat |
| Sunday/Holiday | - | Prohibited (commercial) |
| Buffer Zone | - | 200 ft from schools/churches |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
When is amplified music prohibited in Long Beach?
Between 10 PM and 7 AM, loudspeakers and amplified sound devices may not create noise disturbances across residential property lines under LBMC 8.80.200.
Can I get a permit for outdoor amplified music in Long Beach?
Yes. The Noise Control Office can issue variances for temporary exemptions from the noise ordinance. Venues also need an entertainment permit from the city.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I play amplified music outdoors in Pasadena?
Yes, but amplified music on private property cannot exceed 15 dB above the ambient noise level at the property line. Commercial amplified sound is limited to 8 AM-10 PM Monday through Saturday.
Are there noise restrictions near churches and schools?
Yes. Sound amplifying equipment is prohibited within 200 feet of churches, schools, hospitals, or government buildings without written consent.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach and Pasadena 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