Decibel Limits: Pasadena vs Santa Clarita
How do decibel limits rules compare between Pasadena, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?
Santa Clarita has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena prohibits noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at any property line under PMC Section 9.36.050. Construction equipment limited to 85 dBA at 100 feet. Amplified sound on private property cannot exceed 15 dB above ambient. Interior noise in multifamily residential must not exceed 50 dBA.
View full Pasadena rules →Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Clarita enforces noise limits under SCMC Chapter 11.44. The city prohibits noise that exceeds established levels for each land use zone. At the boundary between residential and commercial/manufacturing properties, the quieter zone's standard applies. Measurements use the A-weighted scale with slow response.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line | Ambient + 5 dB max | - |
| Construction | 85 dBA at 100 ft | - |
| Interior (Multi) | 50 dBA | - |
| Code | PMC Ch. 9.36 | SCMC Ch. 11.44 |
| Standard | - | Zone-based dB limits (SCMC 11.44.040) |
| Boundary Rule | - | Quieter zone applies |
| Pure Tone | - | -5 dB correction |
| Construction Weekday | - | 7 AM-7 PM (Mon-Fri) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pasadena FAQ
What is the noise limit in Pasadena?
Noise cannot exceed the ambient level by more than 5 decibels at any property line under PMC Section 9.36.050. Ambient is measured as a 15-minute average.
What is the construction equipment noise limit?
Individual pieces of construction equipment cannot generate noise exceeding 85 dBA at a distance of 100 feet under Section 9.36.070.
Santa Clarita FAQ
What are the noise limits in Santa Clarita?
SCMC Section 11.44.040 sets noise limits by land use zone. At boundaries between residential and commercial areas, the quieter zone's limit applies. Noise with a pure tone is penalized by 5 dB.
When is construction allowed in Santa Clarita?
7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday, within 300 feet of residentially zoned property. No construction on Sundays or holidays.
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