Barking Dogs, Construction, Amplified Music? How to Deal With Excessive Noise

Do you have a question about Studio City? Community activist Lisa Sarkin is answering questions about history and issues in our area in this column. She often knows who to call, and where to go in order to get things done. Send your questions to Studio City Patch editor   or leave it in the Comments section below. Thanks!

Excessive Noise

Many of you have asked about It is a very complex issue and this column will start explaining how the City of Los Angeles is supposed to respond to noise.

The General Plan, required by state law, has several elements which become ordinances (city law) added to the Los Angeles Municipal Code and enforces by different City Departments. Noise is enforced by the Los Angeles Police Department.  

I will break up the information over the next few weeks so it will be easier to digest. This is the general information:

Los Angeles City Noise Ordinance Information

Noise Enforcement

Introduction

Barking dogs, construction equipment, amplified musical instruments, trash trucks, and loud parties are all examples of noise found in major urban areas. Understandably, certain noise levels must be tolerated by all citizens in order for normal functions of urban life to continue. However, excessive, unnecessary, and/or annoying noise is subject to regulation. On March 29, 1982, the City Council adopted a new Noise Ordinance that established limits on noise pollution, set enforcement responsibilities, and provided penalties for violations.

Noise Ordinance

On January 24, 1973, Ordinance No. 144.331 became effective, adding Chapter XI, entitled "Noise Regulation" to the Los Angeles Municipal Code. This chapter empowered the City to prohibit unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise from all sources subject to its police powers. Enforcement responsibilities were divided between the Police Department and the Department of Building and Safety.

During the intervening years, enforcement efforts revealed a need to further define the enforcement responsibilities, to incorporate new sound level measurement procedures, and to establish complaint enforcement expertise within the department. The City Council amended the Noise Ordinance on March 29, 1982, to include new sound level measurement procedures, reconcile conflicting noise level limits, and more clearly define enforcement responsibilities of concerned City departments.

Enforcement Responsibility

The responsibility for enforcement of the Noise Ordinance is now delegated to the Police Department, Department of Building and Safety, and the Department of Animal Regulation.
The Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of Noise Ordinance violations involving people--generated or controlled noises--which are considered disturbances of the peace.

If you are interested in the entire City of Los Angeles General Plan, please go to http://cityplanning.lacity.org/ and click on General Plan.