Decibel Limits: Pasadena vs South San Gabriel
How do decibel limits rules compare between Pasadena, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
Pasadena and South San Gabriel have similar restriction levels.
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 →South San Gabriel, 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 South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line | Ambient + 5 dB max | - |
| Construction | 85 dBA at 100 ft | - |
| Interior (Multi) | 50 dBA | - |
| Code | PMC Ch. 9.36 | - |
| Code Section | - | §12.08.390 |
| Residential Day | - | 50 dBA |
| Residential Night | - | 45 dBA |
| Commercial Day | - | 60 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 70 dBA always |
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.
South San Gabriel 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.
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