Decibel Limits: Pasadena vs Torrance
How do decibel limits rules compare between Pasadena, CA and Torrance, CA?
Pasadena and Torrance 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 →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Torrance establishes zone-based noise limits under TMC Chapter 46. Region 2 (residential): 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Region 1 (near refineries): 70 dBA day / 65 dBA night. Construction limited to 50 dB at property line during permitted hours. Train whistles prohibited above 96 dBA.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line | Ambient + 5 dB max | - |
| Construction | 85 dBA at 100 ft | - |
| Interior (Multi) | 50 dBA | - |
| Code | PMC Ch. 9.36 | - |
| Residential Day | - | 65 dBA (Region 2) |
| Residential Night | - | 55 dBA (Region 2) |
| Refinery Area Day | - | 70 dBA (Region 1) |
| Train Whistles | - | 96 dBA max |
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.
Torrance FAQ
What are Torrance's noise limits?
Most residential areas: 65 dB(A) daytime and 55 dB(A) nighttime. Near refineries: 70/65 dB(A). Plus, any noise exceeding ambient by 5+ dB at residential property lines is a prima facie violation.
How do I file a noise complaint in Torrance?
Contact Torrance Noise Abatement at (310) 784-7950 or email noiseabatement@torranceca.gov.
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