La Habra, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

La Habra assigns every residential parcel to Noise Zone 1 under Section 9.32.040, so the same numeric limits apply citywide. Section 9.32.050 sets the exterior standard at fifty-five dB(A) from seven a.m. to ten p.m. and fifty dB(A) from ten p.m. to seven a.m., measured on the affected neighboring residential property; Section 9.32.060 sets the interior standard at the same daytime fifty-five dB(A) but drops to forty-five dB(A) overnight, measured inside the affected dwelling unit. Both sections use a sliding scale rather than a flat cutoff: exceeding the base standard for more than thirty minutes in any hour is a violation, and shorter, louder exceedances are also unlawful; the exterior rule bars the standard plus five dB(A) for more than fifteen minutes, plus ten dB(A) for more than five minutes, plus fifteen dB(A) for more than one minute, or plus twenty dB(A) for any period at all, while the interior rule uses a five-minute, one-minute and any-period ladder.

If the ambient noise level itself already exceeds a tier, that tier's allowed period is extended, but the permissible level can never exceed the ambient level. Each limit is reduced by five dB(A) when the noise is an impact noise, a simple tone, or consists of speech or music. Measurements must be taken with a sound level meter per Section 9.32.030, at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling or floor under Section 9.32.090. Any noise that exceeds these standards is declared a public nuisance under Section 9.32.010(B).