Burbank Decibel Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Burbank Municipal Code Article 2 of Title 9, Chapter 3 (Environmental Protection) establishes the city's exterior noise standards. Section 9-3-202 creates ambient noise base levels by zone type and prohibits machinery, equipment, pumps, fans, air conditioning apparatus, and similar mechanical devices from causing noise levels to exceed the applicable base level by more than 5 decibels. The base levels are: residential zones at 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime; commercial zones at 65 dBA at all hours; and all other zones (including industrial) at 70 dBA at all hours. When the source property has a higher ambient base level than the adjacent receiving property, the lower base level of the receiving property applies.

Decibel measurements under Section 9-3-203 are performed using a reference sound pressure of 0.0002 microbars, measured with a sound level meter using the A-weighting network and slow meter response. Enforcement is typically complaint-driven and involves measurement at the property line of the receiving parcel. The standards under Section 9-3-202 primarily target fixed mechanical equipment; general noise disturbances from voices, amplified music, and gatherings are addressed through the broader nuisance provisions and quiet-hours standards elsewhere in the municipal code. Residents may report violations to the Burbank Police Department non-emergency line at (818) 238-3000 or Community Development Code Enforcement at (818) 238-5225.