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Step 1 of 3Glendale, CA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The ordinance specifies that noise cannot exceed the actual ambient noise by more than 5 dBA. Amplified sound has a limit of 15 dBA above ambient at the property line. 'Ambient noise' and 'presumed noise standards' are used as benchmarks."
AI Executive Summary
Glendale, CA noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 8.36 of the Municipal Code, prohibit unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise. Key restrictions include quiet hours for construction (7 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM Monday) and amplified sound (10 PM to 7 AM daily). Noise levels must not exceed the ambient noise by more than 5 dBA in residential zones.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Prohibited in residential zones (or within 500 feet thereof) between 7 PM and 7 AM the next day, and from 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM Monday (weekends and holidays) without a permit. Emergency work is exempt.
Amplified Sound
Unlawful without registration. Commercial use prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM daily. Non-commercial use allowed from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, including Sundays and legal holidays. Sound may not exceed 15 dBA above the actual or presumed ambient at any property line. Cannot be operated within 200 feet of churches, schools, hospitals, libraries, or city/county buildings.
Animals
Prohibits animal noise that causes a disturbance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivities or endangers health/safety. (Chapter 8.36.070)
Vehicles
Unlawful to repair, rebuild, modify, or test any motor vehicle during nighttime in a residential area if it causes discomfort or annoyance. Loading and unloading of objects in a manner that causes a noise disturbance during nighttime is also prohibited. (Chapter 8.36.100 and 8.36.200)
Noise Protection Score
How well does Glendale protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Standard coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Glendale, CA?
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Glendale's quiet hours: 10PM-7AM (general). During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Glendale?
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Glendale's residential noise limits: Not explicitly stated; generally 5 dBA above ambient dB(A) during the day and Not explicitly stated; generally 5 dBA above ambient dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not explicitly stated; generally 5 dBA above ambient. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Glendale?
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Call the Glendale police non-emergency line at 818-548-4911. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 818-550-4400 (General City line; report issues online/MyGlendale app). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Glendale?
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Glendale's noise violation penalties: Violations are punishable as infractions or misdemeanors. Unlawful noise may be deemed a public nuisance and subject to abatement through restraining orders or injunctions. Administrative civil penalties may also apply.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Glendale?
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Glendale's rules: Prohibits animal noise that causes a disturbance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivities or endangers health/safety. (Chapter 8.36.070). To report a barking dog, contact animal control at Not specified (recommend contacting general city line) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Glendale?
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Glendale's construction noise rules: Prohibited in residential zones (or within 500 feet thereof) between 7 PM and 7 AM the next day, and from 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM Monday (weekends and holidays) without a permit. Emergency work is exempt.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Glendale?
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Yes. Glendale's ordinance: Unlawful without registration. Commercial use prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM daily. Non-commercial use allowed from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, including Sundays and legal holidays. Sound may not exceed 15 dBA above the actual or presumed ambient at any property line. Cannot be operated within 200 feet of churches, schools, hospitals, libraries, or city/county buildings.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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