Bars and entertainment venues in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Commercial zone limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Conditional use permits often impose stricter noise conditions.
Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues in unincorporated LA County must meet exterior noise standards under Chapter 12.08. In commercial zones (Noise Zone II), the limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the property line. If adjacent to residential zones, the residential standard of 50/45 dBA may apply at the residential boundary. Most bars and entertainment venues in unincorporated areas operate under conditional use permits (CUPs) issued by the Department of Regional Planning, which often impose stricter noise conditions including sound insulation requirements, maximum occupancy limits, and specific closing hours. Live entertainment requires an entertainment permit. Sound measurement and monitoring may be required as a CUP condition. Violations are reported to Environmental Health and the Sheriff's Department.
Noise ordinance violations: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000. CUP violations may result in revocation hearings and potential closure. The Department of Regional Planning can modify or revoke CUPs for repeated violations.
See how Lancaster's bar & nightclub noise rules stack up against other locations.
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