Los Angeles Noise Regulations Guide

Los Angeles Municipal Code §111

Los Angeles regulates noise through its municipal code, which establishes presumed daytime and nighttime ambient noise levels for different zones.

Residential Presumed Ambient Levels

• 7 AM - 10 PM: §111.03 uses a presumed minimum ambient level of 50 dB(A) for listed residential zones when the measured ambient level is lower
• 10 PM - 7 AM: §111.03 uses a presumed minimum ambient level of 40 dB(A) for those residential zones when the measured ambient level is lower

These Are Not Universal Maximum Limits

The 50 dB(A) and 40 dB(A) figures are minimum presumed ambient levels used by the code's measurement framework; they do not mean every sound above those figures is automatically a violation. The applicable rule depends on the sound source and measurement conditions.

LAMC §111.01 defines ambient noise as the combined background sound excluding the source under investigation and calls for it to be averaged for at least 15 minutes at a comparable location and time. A short phone reading is therefore contextual documentation, not a substitute for the code's prescribed measurement.

For example, §112.01(c) applies a five-decibel-above-ambient rule to radios, musical instruments, televisions, and similar sound-producing devices when measured on another occupied property or in an adjoining unit. That provision should not be generalized to every noise source.

How to File a Complaint

The reporting channel depends on the source. LAPD directs loud-neighbor and loud-party complaints to the local police station or 877-ASK-LAPD. Its Noise Enforcement Team handles categories such as early or late construction, deliveries, trash pickup, and music from nightclubs. MyLA311 can provide city-service information and routing.

Document with SilentProof

SilentProof helps you keep reference sound levels, timestamps, and incident notes together so your LA complaint is easier to review and follow up on.