LA County Code Section 12.08.390 establishes tiered exterior noise standards by zone for unincorporated areas. Residential limits are 50 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial zones allow 60/55 dBA and industrial zones allow 70 dBA at all times.
Section 12.08.390 sets exterior noise standards enforced through a multi-tiered system. Noise Zone I (residential/agricultural) limits are 50 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime. Noise Zone II (commercial) limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Noise Zone III (industrial) permits 70 dBA at all hours. Standard No. 1 prohibits exceeding these levels for more than 30 minutes cumulative per hour. Standard No. 2 adds 5 dB to the base and prohibits exceeding it for more than 15 minutes per hour. Standard No. 3 adds 10 dB for more than 5 minutes per hour. Standard No. 4 adds 15 dB for more than 1 minute per hour. Standard No. 5 adds 20 dB with zero minutes allowed. Interior noise limits are typically 10 dB lower than exterior standards. Emergency vehicles and warning devices are exempt.
Exceeding exterior noise standards is a misdemeanor under Section 12.08.590. Fines up to $1,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Administrative citations may also be issued under Section 12.08.390.
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