Burbank, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

BMC Section 9-3-208 establishes that no person shall operate any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air conditioning apparatus, or similar mechanical device in a manner that causes the ambient noise level to be exceeded by more than 5 dBA. For leaf blowers as defined by Section 9-3-214, the ambient noise level may not be exceeded by more than 20 dBA. Base ambient noise levels are: residential zones at 55 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM); commercial zones deemed to be 65 dBA regardless of actual readings. When the ambient noise base level for the source property is higher than the adjacent property, the adjacent property's base level applies. Section 9-3-213 addresses radios, televisions, and musical instruments, providing that any noise causing the ambient to be exceeded by more than 5 dBA is prima facie evidence of a violation. The Burbank Police Department and Code Enforcement handle noise complaints.