El Monte sets ambient noise limits at the receiving property line that vary by zoning district and by time of day, with separate day (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and night (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) standards under EMC Chapter 8.36.
EMC Chapter 8.36 establishes ambient noise standards for each zoning district. Residential uses located within a commercial or industrial zone are capped at 50 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Residential properties within 150 feet of a freeway right-of-way are subject to a 62 dBA daytime / 58 dBA nighttime exterior standard reflecting freeway baseline. The general rule under EMC §8.36.040 is that no person may create noise that causes the level at the property line of any receiving property to exceed the ambient noise level by more than 5 dB for a cumulative 15 minutes in any hour. All sound measurements are taken with a sound-level meter using the A weighting network and slow response. Section 8.36.080 separately prohibits any noise disturbance regardless of dBA reading.
Violations are infractions punishable under Cal. Gov. Code §36900 — $100 first offense, $200 second offense, $500 third and subsequent offenses within 12 months. Continuing violations may be charged as misdemeanors. El Monte Code Enforcement may issue administrative citations under EMC Ch. 1.10.
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El Monte, CA
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