Pasadena sets no fixed decibel ceiling. Its noise ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 9.36, makes it unlawful for any machinery, fan, or air-conditioning device to raise noise at a property line more than 5 decibels above the ambient level - and adds 5 decibels for a steady audible tone.
Pasadena's noise standard is relative, not absolute. Section 9.36.090 bars operating any machinery, pump, fan, or air-conditioning device so the property-line noise exceeds the ambient level by more than 5 decibels; Section 9.36.050 applies the same 5-decibel-over-ambient cap to general noise. Section 9.36.040 adds a 5-decibel penalty to any steady audible tone - the continuous hum of data-center chillers and cooling fans - and a further 5 for repeated impulsive noise. The multifamily interior standard (Section 9.36.060) is 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Violations are misdemeanors enforced by the environmental health division.
Noise over the ambient-plus-5-decibel limit is a misdemeanor and public nuisance under Chapter 9.36, enforced by the environmental health division through citations, abatement, and civil action.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle data center noise limits.
See how Pasadena's data center noise limits rules stack up against other locations.
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