Pasadena, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Pasadena, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Pasadena, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (626) 744-4241 |
General noise: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Amplified sound: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Monday-Saturday); 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM (Sundays and legal holidays for non-commercial). Construction: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Monday-Friday); 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Saturday); prohibited all day Sundays and holidays.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Pasadena, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena, CA's Noise Restrictions Ordinance (Chapter 9.36) prohibits excessive and annoying noises exceeding the ambient level by 5 dBA at property lines. General quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM. Specific regulations apply to construction, limiting activity to weekdays 7 AM-7 PM and Saturdays 8 AM-5 PM, with Sunday prohibitions. Amplified sound also has restricted hours and decibel limits.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 5 dBA above ambient, or 60 dBA interior (7AM-10PM) | 5 dBA above ambient, or 50 dBA interior (10PM-7AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified beyond 5 dBA above ambient | Not specified beyond 5 dBA above ambient |
Note: General noise limits are 5 decibels above the ambient noise level at the property line. Interior noise standards for multi-family residential are 60 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Amplified sound cannot exceed 15 dBA above the ambient noise level at the outside property line. For permitted amplified sound events, maximum decibel limits are 65 dBA for residential zones and 75 dBA for commercial zones. In Old Pasadena, ambient noise levels are 60 decibels between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. and 50 decibels between 1:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and repair work in or within 500 feet of a residential district is permitted Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Powered construction equipment noise shall not exceed 85 dBA when measured at 100 feet.
- Amplified Sound:
The operation of sound amplifying equipment is restricted to 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM each day, except on Sundays and legal holidays where commercial use is prohibited. For non-commercial purposes on Sundays and legal holidays, operation is allowed from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except for New Year's Day. Sound levels must not continuously exceed 15 dBA above the ambient noise level at the outside property line. Operation within 200 feet of a church, school, hospital, or city/county building requires written consent. In Old Pasadena, commercial amplified sound is limited between 6:00 PM and 1:30 AM.
- Animals:
The City's Noise Ordinance includes provisions for animals and fowl (Chapter 9.36.150). The Code Enforcement Commission hears cases regarding animal ordinance violations. Unreasonably annoying noises from dogs can be declared a public nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Vehicle repairs in residential areas are unlawful between 5:00 PM and 9:00 AM if they cause discomfort or annoyance to residents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pasadena, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Pasadena, CA?
General noise: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Amplified sound: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Monday-Saturday); 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM (Sundays and legal holidays for non-commercial). Construction: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Monday-Friday); 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Saturday); prohibited all day Sundays and holidays.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Pasadena, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 5 dBA above ambient, or 60 dBA interior (7AM-10PM) during the day and 5 dBA above ambient, or 50 dBA interior (10PM-7AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Pasadena, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Pasadena, CA police non-emergency line at (626) 744-4241. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (626) 744-8633.