Pompano Beach, FL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

, and measures compliance with an A-weighted sound level meter over a minimum ten-minute observation period. 20(A) sets the baseline limits by zone described above, and division (A)(5) makes any sound that tops the ambient level by five dBA or more a prima facie violation where no specific numeric standard applies. Division (B) layers on a hard ceiling: regardless of duration, a sound source cannot exceed the base standard by more than ten dBA at residential, public or institutional property during the day, five dBA at night, or ten dBA at retail, commercial or industrial property at any time.

Division (C) singles out air-conditioning and air-handling equipment in residential areas, capping it at 60 dBA at the property boundary and 55 dBA inside a residence for at least half of the observation period. Division (D) repeats the five-dBA-over-ambient prima facie rule where the ambient level itself already exceeds the chapter's standards. Enforcement under division (E) is complaint-driven: the city will only investigate a signed written complaint from someone at the property affected, and measurements must be taken at or within the boundary of the complainant's own property or structure.