Long Beach, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Pre-1980 unit limit
- 60 dBA at property line
- Post-1980 unit limit
- 55 dBA at property line
- Patio/window limit (post-1980)
- 50 dBA
- Measurement standard
- ASHRAE Code of Recommended Practices
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 180 days jail
Summary
Long Beach sets fixed decibel ceilings for air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment measured at the neighboring property line, patio and window, with older units (pre-1980) allowed 5 dBA more than units installed since.
N.Air-conditioning or air refrigerating equipment. Operating or permitting the operation of any air-conditioning or air refrigerating equipment in such a manner as to exceed any of the following sound levels measured as specified in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Code of Recommended Practices: Any point on neighboring property line, five feet above grade level, no closer than three feet from any wall - 60 dB(A) Units Before 1-1-80 / 55 dB(A) Units On or After 1-1-80. Center of neighboring patio five feet above grade level, no closer than three feet from any wall - 55/50. Outside the neighboring living area window nearest the equipment location, not more than three feet from the window opening, but at least three feet from any other surface - 55/50. In case of conflict, the interior noise standards as specified in Section 8.80.170 shall nonetheless apply;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
200(N) prohibits operating air-conditioning or air-refrigerating equipment above set sound levels, measured per the ASHRAE Code of Recommended Practices, at three locations: on the neighboring property line 5 feet above grade and at least 3 feet from any wall, at the center of a neighboring patio 5 feet above grade, and outside the nearest neighboring living-area window within 3 feet of the opening. Units installed before January 1, 1980 are capped at 60 dBA at the property line, 55 dBA at the patio and 55 dBA at the window; units installed on or after that date are capped 5 dBA lower, 55, 50 and 50 dBA respectively.
170, the interior standard still controls, so an HVAC unit that meets the outdoor table but pushes indoor sound above the Table C interior limits is still a violation. This gives Long Beach residents a specific, checkable installed-date-based standard rather than a generic 'unreasonable noise' test for compressor and condenser units.
Violations & Fines
A homeowner or contractor operating noncompliant HVAC equipment that keeps exceeding these dBA limits after a Noise Control Officer abatement order faces a misdemeanor under § 8.80.380, up to $500 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation punishable as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my AC unit be at my neighbor's fence line?
Does the limit change at a patio or window?
Can an AC unit meet the outdoor limit but still violate the code?
What happens if my noisy AC condenser isn't fixed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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