Los Angeles, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum interior noise level (exterior sources)
- 45 dB (Ldn or CNEL)
- Noise metric
- Day-Night Average Sound Level (Ldn) or Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
- Airport noise threshold requiring acoustical analysis
- 60 dB Ldn or CNEL
- Single-family exemption threshold
- 65 dB CNEL (exempt from § 91.1206 outside that boundary)
- Wall/floor STC rating required between units
- STC 50 (lab) or NIC 45 (field)
- Covered building types
- Hotels, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, residential care, private schools, places of worship
Summary
New residential and lodging buildings must be designed so interior noise from exterior sources does not exceed 45 dB. Buildings near airports or highways with more than 60 dB CNEL/Ldn require an acoustical analysis demonstrating compliance.
91.1206.14.2. Allowable Interior Noise Levels. Interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources shall not exceed 45 db in any habitable room. The noise metric shall be either the day-night average sound level (Ldn) or the community noise equivalent level (CNEL), consistent with the noise element of the local general plan.
Note: Ldn is the preferred metric for implementing these standards. Worst-case noise levels, either existing or future, shall be used as the basis for determining compliance with this section. Future noise levels shall be predicted for a period of at least ten (10) years from the time of building permit application.
91.1206.14.3. Airport Noise Sources. Residential structures and all other structures identified in LAMC Subsection 91.1206.1 located where the annual Ldn or CNEL (as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 21, Division 2.5, Chapter 6, Section 5001) exceeds 60 db, shall require an acoustical analysis showing that the proposed design will achieve the prescribed allowable interior level.
EXCEPTION: New single-family detached dwellings and all non-residential noise sensitive structures located outside the noise impact boundary of 65 db CNEL are exempt from LAMC Section 91.1206.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 91.1206 establishes uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards for new hotels, motels, dormitories, residential care facilities, apartment houses, dwellings, private schools, and places of worship. Under § 91.1206.14.2, interior noise attributable to exterior sources must not exceed 45 dB (Ldn or CNEL) in any habitable room. Buildings in noise-critical areas, near highways, railways, airports, or industrial uses, must be designed with proper orientation, setbacks, shielding, and sound insulation. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies between dwelling units must achieve STC 50 (lab) or NIC 45 (field) for airborne sound (§ 91.1206.10) and IIC 50 / FIIC 45 for impact sound (§ 91.1206.11).
Violations & Fines
If construction does not comply, the Building Official may require field testing. Evidence of compliance must be submitted with the building permit application. Non-complying construction must be corrected before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What interior noise level is allowed in a new Los Angeles apartment or house?
Does the city require soundproofing between apartments?
My building is near the airport: are there extra rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle decibel limits.