Alhambra, CA Noise Ordinances: Industrial Noise (2026)

The City of Alhambra applies its quantitative noise framework to industrial and commercial operations. Under Section 18.02.040, the Commercial Noise Zone covers all commercial, manufacturing, and industrial properties (C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2 and the like). Section 18.02.050 then caps received noise at 70 dBA within that zone, measured inside the affected structure at least four feet from the nearest surface with doors and windows closed. Critically for industrial sites near homes, Section 18.02.050(C) provides that where the measurement location is on a boundary between two zones, the lower (stricter) standard governs, so an industrial or commercial noise source whose sound is received at an adjoining residential property is effectively held to the 55 dBA residential limit at that boundary. The ambient-adjustment rule in Section 18.02.050(B) also applies, raising the allowable level to match a higher ambient. Industrial vibration is separately regulated: Section 18.02.100 makes it unlawful to create, maintain, or cause any perceptible ground vibration at an adjoining property, with the perception threshold presumed to be more than 0.05 inches per second RMS vertical velocity. A facility that cannot immediately meet these standards may apply to the Director of Development Services for a temporary exception under Section 18.02.110, which the Planning Commission can grant with conditions including limits on noise levels and operating hours. These are the city's standards; Los Angeles County's industrial-noise rules apply only to unincorporated areas.