Paramount, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 9.12.040 of the Paramount Municipal Code is a noise performance table that applies to all property within its assigned noise zones, and the figures are the maximum permissible noise level in each zone. In the City of Paramount, Industrial and Commercial property is held to 82 decibels by day and 77 decibels at night. R1 and R2 property is held to 62 decibels by day and 57 decibels at night. R3 and R4 property is held to 67 decibels by day and 62 decibels at night. The day period is 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and the night period is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Measurement rules sit next to the table. Section 9.12.030 bases every reading on a reference sound pressure of 0.0002 microbars with a sound level meter on the "A" weighted network. Section 9.12.050 sets the monitoring procedure. The check can be made any time of day or night when the suspect source is operating, at a point on adjoining residential property approximately 10 feet from any building, wall or obstruction, or on any property line with no obstruction within 10 feet. The meter has an omnidirectional microphone, the microphone head is approximately four feet above the ground, and no one other than the operator stands within 10 feet. Ambient level is the lowest reading from instantaneous readings taken at 15-second intervals for 15 minutes with the source off. The same 15-second readings are taken with the source running, and the lowest response recorded is the intruding noise level.

Section 9.12.060(A) makes exceeding the § 9.12.040 standards unlawful from any location, including commercial, agricultural and industrial zoned property. Subsection C sets a 55 dBA limit inside a multiple family dwelling unit, measured in the adjoining unit between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Subsection D applies the zone standards to schools, hospitals and churches in use when conspicuous signs are displayed in three separate locations within one-tenth of a mile. Construction is exempt only with a Building Department permit and no work between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.