Generators and power equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Portable generators commonly exceed residential noise limits and should use sound enclosures. Emergency generators have limited exemptions.
Portable and stationary generators in unincorporated LA County must meet the exterior noise standards of Chapter 12.08. Most portable generators produce 65-80 dBA at 25 feet, easily exceeding the residential limit of 50 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime. Sound-attenuating enclosures, inverter generators, and proper siting can help meet the standards. Emergency standby generators used during power outages have limited exemptions under the code but should still minimize impact on neighbors. Permanently installed generators require building permits and may need sound engineering studies. Construction generators on active job sites fall under construction noise hours (Section 12.08.440). The Department of Public Health handles noise complaints about persistent generator use.
Exceeding noise standards with generator operation is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000. Persistent generator noise may be declared a nuisance requiring abatement.
Burbank, CA
Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (NovemberβFebruary). Open burning of household trash is proh...
Burbank, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas ...
Burbank, CA
All fireworks β including Safe & Sane β are banned in Burbank. Violations result in confiscation plus citation or arrest. State penalties: $500β$1,000 fine a...
Burbank, CA
Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Ver...
Burbank, CA
Burbank does NOT operate a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program. The City launched a Housing Enforcement Unit (HEU) in March 2025 to investigate compl...
Burbank, CA
Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed through Burbank's general nuisance provisions. No specific foot-candle th...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Burbank's generator noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.