Decibel Limits: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do decibel limits rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 50 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) | - |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) | - |
| Commercial Day | 60 dBA | - |
| Commercial Night | 55 dBA | - |
| Code | LBMC 8.80.150-160 | 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.
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.
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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