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Step 1 of 3Pasadena, CA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Pasadena protect residents from noise?
5 dB day / 5 dB night
Extensive coverage
Minimal enforcement
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Pasadena, CA?
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Pasadena's quiet hours: 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.. 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 Pasadena?
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Pasadena's residential noise limits: 5 dBA above ambient, or 60 dBA interior (7AM-10PM) dB(A) during the day and 5 dBA above ambient, or 50 dBA interior (10PM-7AM) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified beyond 5 dBA above ambient. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Pasadena?
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Call the Pasadena police non-emergency line at (626) 744-4241. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (626) 744-8633. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Pasadena?
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Pasadena's noise violation penalties: Not specified beyond general statements of violations being unlawful and subject to penalties.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Pasadena?
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Pasadena's rules: 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.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (626) 792-7151 ext. 998 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Pasadena?
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Pasadena's construction noise rules: 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.. 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 Pasadena?
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Yes. Pasadena's ordinance: 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.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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