Noise from machinery, pumps, HVAC, refrigeration, or motor-vehicle repair that exceeds the ambient noise standard at any receiving property line violates El Monte Municipal Code §8.36.040(A).
Under EMC §8.36.040(A), 'noise level from the use or operation of any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air conditioning apparatus, refrigerating equipment, motor vehicle, or other mechanical or electrical device, or in repairing or rebuilding any motor vehicle' that exceeds the ambient noise limit at any receiving-property line is a violation. The ambient standards apply by zoning district and time of day, with daytime defined as 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and nighttime as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Any noise that exceeds the ambient level by more than 5 dB for a cumulative 15-minute period in any hour is also a violation. Where a commercial or manufacturing use abuts a residential zone and exceeds the residential standard, EMC §8.36.070 classifies it as a nonconforming use subject to abatement. All measurements use A-weighting and slow response on a sound-level meter.
Violations of Chapter 8.36 are enforced by El Monte Code Enforcement and the El Monte Police Department under EMC §8.36 and Title 1 general penalty provisions (infraction: up to $100 first, $200 second, $500 third within 12 months per Cal. Gov. Code §36900; misdemeanor option for continuing violations). Administrative citations may also be issued under EMC Ch. 1.10.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle industrial noise.
See how El Monte's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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