Decibel Limits: Palmdale vs South Gate
How do decibel limits rules compare between Palmdale, CA and South Gate, CA?
South Gate has fewer restrictions than Palmdale.
Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Section 12.08.390 establishes tiered exterior noise standards by zone for unincorporated areas. Residential limits are 50 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial zones allow 60/55 dBA and industrial zones allow 70 dBA at all times.
View full Palmdale rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 11.34 sets exterior noise standards in dBA Leq by land use category, inclusive of ambient noise. Residential zones cap at approximately 50 dBA daytime (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and 40 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.–7 a.m.); noise-sensitive zones cap at ~45 dBA at all times; commercial at ~55 dBA. Measurements are taken at the closest adjoining property line between habitable parcels or at the nearest public right-of-way, four feet above ground, ten feet from the nearest wall. Chapter 11.34 Table 11.34-2 also caps temporary increases over ambient based on duration of the noise event.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palmdale | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | §12.08.390 | - |
| Residential Day | 50 dBA | - |
| Residential Night | 45 dBA | - |
| Commercial Day | 60 dBA | - |
| Industrial | 70 dBA always | - |
| Code section | - | South Gate Mun. Code Ch. 11.34 |
| Unit | - | dBA Leq (A-weighted, equivalent continuous) |
| Residential day (7am-10pm) | - | ~50 dBA |
| Residential night (10pm-7am) | - | ~40 dBA |
| Noise-sensitive zones | - | ~45 dBA at all times |
| Commercial | - | ~55 dBA |
| Measurement | - | 4 ft above ground, 10 ft from wall, at receptor property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palmdale FAQ
What are the decibel limits in unincorporated LA County?
Residential areas are limited to 50 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. Commercial zones allow 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Industrial zones permit 70 dBA at all times.
How are noise violations measured in LA County?
Noise is measured at the property line of the affected party using the A-weighted decibel scale. Duration matters too — exceeding limits for more than 30 minutes per hour triggers Standard No. 1.
South Gate FAQ
How do I know if my neighbor is over the limit?
Measurement must be taken at your property line (or the nearest public right-of-way) with a Type-2 sound-level meter set to dBA fast-response, averaged as Leq. Code Enforcement officers carry calibrated meters; you can also document with logged readings from any reputable sound-meter app for an initial complaint.
Does ambient noise count toward the limit?
Yes — Chapter 11.34 standards are 'inclusive of ambient noise.' If background ambient from traffic on Atlantic or Firestone Blvd is already near the standard, even modest added sound from a source can constitute a violation.
What about temporary noise like a backyard party?
Table 11.34-2 sets maximum temporary increases above ambient by duration — the shorter the event, the greater the permitted excess. But sustained noise exceeding these caps, especially after 10 p.m., is a violation.
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