Los Angeles, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowable exceedance above ambient
- 5 dB(A)
- Equipment covered
- A/C, refrigeration, heating, pool pumps/filters
- Applies in
- All zones citywide
- Residential night threshold (violation point)
- 45 dB(A) (40 dB ambient + 5 dB)
- Emergency work
- Exempt
- Periodic maintenance/testing
- Exempt
Summary
Air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and pool-pumping or filtering equipment may not raise noise at any neighboring occupied property or adjoining unit by more than 5 dB(A) above the ambient level. The rule applies in all zones citywide.
SEC. 112.02. AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION, HEATING, PUMPING, FILTERING EQUIPMENT. (Amended by Ord. No. 156,363, Eff. 3/29/82.)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, within any zone of the city to operate any air conditioning, refrigeration or heating equipment for any residence or other structure or to operate any pumping, filtering or heating equipment for any pool or reservoir in such manner as to create any noise which would cause the noise level on the premises of any other occupied property or if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within any adjoining unit, to exceed the ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels
(b) This section shall not be applicable to emergency work as defined in Section 111.01(c) of this chapter, or to periodic maintenance or testing of such equipment reasonably necessary to maintain such equipment in good working order.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 112.02 applies to all residential and commercial A/C, refrigeration, and heating units, as well as pool pumps, pool filters, and reservoir heating equipment. The 5 dB(A) limit is measured at the property line of any other occupied property, or at the unit boundary in condominiums, apartments, duplexes, and attached commercial spaces. Emergency work and periodic maintenance or testing reasonably necessary to keep equipment operational are exempt. The baseline ambient noise levels from § 111.03 Table II apply: 50 dB(A) residential daytime means a violation can occur at 55 dB(A); the 40 dB(A) nighttime floor means a violation at 45 dB(A).
Violations & Fines
Violation is a misdemeanor; enforced by the Department of Building and Safety per § 111.05(a), which assigns Building Mechanical Inspectors with arrest authority for this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's AC unit runs all night. At what level is it a violation?
Who enforces HVAC noise complaints?
Is a pool pump covered even though it is not heating or cooling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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