Alhambra Municipal Code Sec. 18.02.050 sets interior received-noise limits by zone: 55 dBA residential, 60 dBA Mixed Use, and 70 dBA commercial/industrial. Measurements are A-weighted, slow response, taken at least four feet from the nearest surface with windows and doors closed. Limits rise to match a higher ambient level.
The City of Alhambra uses a quantitative, interior-based decibel framework. Section 18.02.040 assigns properties to three noise zones: the Residential Noise Zone (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, excluding mixed-use dwelling units), the Commercial Noise Zone (C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2 and similar), and the Mixed Use Noise Zone (dwelling units in the Mixed Use district along Main Street between Garfield and Atlantic). Section 18.02.050 then makes it unlawful to produce noise received on property occupied by another person in a designated zone above 55 dBA (residential), 60 dBA (mixed use), or 70 dBA (commercial). Measurements are taken inside the affected dwelling or commercial structure at least four feet from the wall, ceiling, or floor nearest the noise source, with windows and doors to the exterior closed. Section 18.02.030 specifies the method: an A-weighted (dBA) sound-level meter at slow response, noting the maximum level for comparison, with a five-minute measurement deemed acceptable for live or amplified music. Two adjustment rules apply: if the ambient noise level already exceeds the limit, the maximum allowable level rises to that ambient level (Sec. 18.02.050(B)); and on a boundary between two zones, the lower (stricter) standard applies (Sec. 18.02.050(C)). Separately, Section 18.02.100 caps perceptible ground vibration at 0.05 inches per second RMS vertical velocity at an adjoining property. These are the city's own limits; Los Angeles County's decibel standards apply only in unincorporated areas.
Producing noise received above the applicable zone dBA limit violates Section 18.02.050 and is an infraction and public nuisance under Section 18.02.120. A first violation generally draws a written correction notice; repeat or continued violations are cited (Gov. Code 36900: up to $100/$200/$500 escalating) and may be abated by injunction.
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