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Noise from Specific Sources in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 13 cities in Los Angeles County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Residential air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in unincorporated Los Angeles County may not exceed fixed decibel limits measured at the neighbor's property line, patio or window: as low as 50 dBA for units installed since 1980.

LA County Residential AC Noise Decibel Caps

Some Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 12.08.530

Operating or permitting the operation of any airconditioning or refrigeration equipment in such a manner as to exceed any of the following sound levels is prohibited. Measurement Location — Units Installed Before 1-1-80 dBA / Units Installed On or After 1-1-80 dBA: Any point on neighboring property line, 5 feet above grade level, no closer than 3 feet from any wall — 60 / 55.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

When noise from a licensed dance hall or entertainment establishment disturbs nearby residents, the Business License Commission may order soundproofing; a licensee who fails to comply after being ordered to do so faces license suspension.

Noise Sources: Bar Nightclub Noise

Some Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code §§ 7.30.310, 7.36.170

7.30.310 - Noise abatement—License suspension conditions. A. Whenever, upon due notice and hearing, it shall be determined that noise from any establishment licensed under this chapter interferes with the right of persons dwelling in the vicinity of such establishment to the peaceful and quiet use and enjoyment of their property, the commission may require that the premises be soundproofed in a...

Car Alarm Limits

Unincorporated Los Angeles County requires any sounding motor-vehicle burglar alarm to shut off within 15 minutes of activation, treating a longer-running alarm itself as a noise-code violation regardless of decibel level.

LA County Vehicle Alarm 15-Minute Cutoff

Some Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 12.08.500

Sounding or permitting the sounding of any exterior burglar or fire alarm, or any motor-vehicle burglar alarm is prohibited, unless such alarm is terminated within 15 minutes of activation.

Noise from Specific Sources by City in Los Angeles County

13 cities in Los Angeles County have their own noise from specific sources rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All Los Angeles County ordinances

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