Los Angeles, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

LAMC Section 112.02 specifically regulates noise from air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, pumping, and filtering equipment. It is unlawful to operate such equipment in a manner that causes the noise level on the premises of any other occupied property, or within any adjoining unit in condominiums, apartment houses, duplexes, or attached businesses, to exceed the ambient noise level by more than 5 decibels. This is a relative standard tied to the ambient noise level rather than an absolute decibel cap. The minimum ambient noise level is established in LAMC Section 111.03, which sets presumed ambient levels for different zones: residential zones have a presumed daytime ambient of 50 dB(A) and nighttime of 40 dB(A). This means HVAC equipment should not produce more than 55 dB(A) during the day or 45 dB(A) at night at the nearest occupied property in a residential zone. The LAPD and Department of Building and Safety enforce these standards. Equipment that exceeds limits may need to be fitted with sound barriers, vibration isolators, or replaced with quieter models. New HVAC installations should be positioned and specified to meet these standards.