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

Pomona's noise ordinance establishes ambient noise baselines by zoning classification that serve as the standard for measuring violations. The baselines reflect the character of each zone: residential areas are set at 55 dBA during daytime and 45 dBA at night, acknowledging the expectation of quiet in neighborhoods. Commercial zones along corridors such as Holt Avenue, Mission Boulevard, and Indian Hill Boulevard carry a 65 dBA standard. Industrial zones near the Union Pacific rail yards and along Pomona Boulevard are set at 70 dBA.

Fixed mechanical equipment is the most common source of decibel-limit complaints in Pomona. Air conditioning condensers, pool circulation pumps, commercial refrigeration units, and backup generators must not push the noise level at the nearest residential property line more than 5 dBA above the applicable baseline. This 5 dBA exceedance standard means that an HVAC unit operating in a residential zone at night must keep noise below approximately 50 dBA at the neighboring property line (45 dBA baseline plus 5 dBA allowance). Multi-family complexes and commercial properties adjacent to single-family neighborhoods are particularly scrutinized.

Measurements are conducted using an A-weighted sound level meter with slow meter response, taken at the property line of the receiving parcel. When a noise source and receiver are in different zones, the standard of the quieter receiving zone governs. Pomona Code Enforcement officers may conduct noise measurements in response to complaints; residents can also hire a certified acoustical consultant for independent verification. The Pomona Police Department responds to immediate noise disturbances, while Code Enforcement handles ongoing equipment-related violations.