LA County Code §12.08.440 caps powered construction equipment at 75 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source in unincorporated areas. Work allowed Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; banned on Sundays and holidays. LASD and DPW handle citations.
Title 12.08.440 of the LA County Code regulates construction equipment noise in unincorporated areas. Powered equipment including jackhammers, compressors, generators, pile drivers, and concrete saws cannot exceed 75 dBA at 50 feet from the source, with mufflers required on all internal-combustion engines. Permitted hours run 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays and federal holidays prohibit construction except for emergency repairs. Variances exist for time-critical concrete pours or large public works projects through DPW Building & Safety. Contract cities (West Hollywood, Lakewood, etc.) follow their own noise ordinances. The Sheriff and County Code Enforcement issue citations after warnings.
Violation of §12.08.440 is a misdemeanor under LA County Code §12.08.530 punishable by fines up to $1,000 per day plus possible six-month suspension of building permits. Repeat offenders may face stop-work orders from DPW Building & Safety.
See how Santa Monica's construction equipment noise rules stack up against other locations.
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