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

Placentia Municipal Code § 23.81.180(b), added by Ord. O-2025-06 on 7/15/2025, controls where HVAC equipment goes: HVAC units must not be installed on any street facing elevation, and must not be installed on the same elevation as the entrance to the dwelling. The same section keeps exterior water heaters and laundry equipment out of view in related ways. It is a placement rule, not a decibel limit, and it moves compressors and condensers to the side or rear of a home, away from the street and the front door.

Noise from the equipment is regulated by Chapter 23.76. Section 23.76.020 defines a fixed noise source as a stationary device that creates sounds while fixed, and the definition lists fans, compressors, generators, air conditioners and refrigeration equipment. Under § 23.76.050, Noise Zone 1 (all residential property) is limited to 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Zone 2 (commercial) is 65 dB(A) at any time and Zone 3 (industrial) is 70 dB(A) at any time. When the noise consists entirely of impact noise, simple tone noise, speech or music, each level drops by 5 dB(A).

The limit is measured on the neighbor's property and works on duration. A source is unlawful if it exceeds the standard for more than thirty minutes in any hour, the standard plus 5 dB(A) for more than fifteen minutes, plus 10 dB(A) for more than five minutes, plus 15 dB(A) for more than one minute, or plus 20 dB(A) for any period. Where the source and the affected property sit in different zones, the standard for the affected property applies.

The owner or operator of a noise source that violates the chapter can apply to the city's authorized agent for a variance, with a fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) and a separate application for each noise source. The noise variance board decides it, and appeals go to the Placentia City Council within fifteen calendar days.