Lancaster, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 9.54.040, part of the Buffer Zone Regulations adopted by Ordinance No. 1126 on February 25, 2025, sets a numeric noise ceiling tied to sensitive locations rather than a citywide zoning table. Within a 100-foot radius of a health care facility, place of worship or school grounds, as those terms are defined in Section 9.54.020, no person may make disturbing, excessive or offensive noise that causes discomfort or annoyance to a person of normal sensitivity, make noise that unreasonably interferes with the facility's operation, or use a loudspeaker or similar amplifier that emits sound exceeding fifty-five decibels measured at any point ten feet or more from the source. Section 9.54.040(B) limits the restriction to a defined window: one hour before through one hour after the facility's posted business hours. Law enforcement and public safety officials acting within the scope of their duties are exempt from the amplifier limit under subsection (C).

Chapter 9.54 sits alongside a companion access provision, Section 9.54.030, which bars obstructing or harassing someone entering or exiting a health care facility, place of worship or school within the same 100-foot radius, and bars approaching within eight feet to hand out leaflets, display signs or engage in oral protest without consent. Section 9.54.050 gives an aggrieved facility or person a private right of action for damages, injunctive relief or a civil penalty up to $2,500 per violation, on top of criminal misdemeanor penalties the code assigns separately to violations of the access provisions.