Glendale Decibel Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Glendale Municipal Code Section 8.36.040 establishes presumed noise standards for the exterior of properties based on the zoning classification of the receiving land use. Cemetery and single-family residential zones (including duplexes) are subject to the most restrictive limits: 55 dBA during daytime hours and 45 dBA during nighttime. Multifamily residential zones including hotels, motels, and transient lodgings have a 60 dBA limit at all times. The Central Business District and commercial zones allow up to 65 dBA, while industrial zones permit up to 70 dBA.

Interior noise standards also apply to residential properties, set at 55 dBA during daytime and 45 dBA during nighttime. Noise in excess of the presumed ambient level (or the actual measured ambient if it is lower) plus 5 dBA constitutes a violation. When the offensive noise contains a pure tone, impulsive sound, or rapidly varying sound, the applicable standard is reduced by an additional 5 dBA, making it easier to establish a violation for these particularly annoying sound types.

Measurements must follow strict protocols: sound levels are measured in decibels using the A-weighted scale with slow response over a five-minute Leq period. The fast response setting is used for impulsive or rapidly varying sounds. Persons seeking variance from noise standards may apply through the variance procedure set forth in Title 30 of the code.