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

Long Beach's noise ordinance under LBMC Chapter 8.80 establishes a receptor-based standard measured at the property line of the affected land use. Section 8.80.150 assigns each parcel to a receiving land use district: District 1 covers residential zones and District 2 covers commercial, mixed-use, and industrial zones. The limits for District 1 are 50 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. District 2 limits are 60 dBA and 55 dBA for the same periods.

To allow for realistic assessment, the ordinance uses a sliding-duration schedule keyed to the base limit. Any source may exceed the applicable limit for no more than 30 minutes per hour; exceed base+5 dB for no more than 15 minutes per hour; exceed base+10 dB for no more than 5 minutes per hour; and exceed base+15 dB for no more than 1 minute per hour. Noise with a tonal quality, repetitive impulsive character, or containing perceptible speech or music triggers a 5 dB adjustment that reduces the allowable level before comparison to the standard.

The Noise Control Office, administered through the Health & Human Services Department, handles measurement requests and enforcement. Complainants may request an officer-conducted measurement. The Department may also issue noise permits for temporary activities that would otherwise exceed the standard, subject to conditions including hours of operation, mitigation measures, and maximum duration.