Prior History: Prior code § 11301—11304 and Ords. 621 and 848.
As used in this chapter, specific words and phrases are defined as follows:
"A-weighting"
shall mean a frequency-response adjustment of a sound level meter that conditions the output signal to approximate human response.
"Adjusted ambient noise level"
means the measured ambient noise level plus three dB(A).
"Affected property"
shall mean any noise-sensitive land use that could be impacted by a stationary noise source.
"Ambient noise level"
shall mean the distinctive acoustical characteristics of a given area consisting of all the noise sources audible at that location.
"Community noise equivalent level (CNEL)"
shall mean the average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after the addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and after the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels in the night between 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.
"Decibel (dBA)"
shall mean a unit for measuring the amplitude of a sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure of 20 micro-pascals.
"Equivalent sound or noise level (Leq)"
shall mean the sound level corresponding to a steady noise level over a given sample period with the same amount of acoustic energy as the actual time-varying noise level.
"Impulsive noise"
shall mean a noise of short duration usually less than one second and of high intensity, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay. Such objectionable noises may also be repetitive.
"Intrusive noise"
shall mean that noise that intrudes over and above the ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, time of occurrence and tonal information content, as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
"L(n)"
shall mean the A-weighted sound level exceeded during a certain percentage of the sample time. For example, L10 in the sound level exceeded 10 percent of the sample time. Similarly, L50, L90, L99, etc.
"Noise disturbance"
means an alleged intrusive noise which violates an applicable noise standard as set forth in this chapter.
"Noise sensitive land use"
shall mean residential developments, mixed-use developments with a residential component, and other noise sensitive development, including, but not limited to, schools, day cares, medical facilities, libraries, churches, convalescent homes and other uses where noise could disrupt the intended function of the space.
"Noise"
shall mean any unwanted sound or sound that is undesirable because it interferes with speech and hearing, is intense enough to damage hearing, or is otherwise annoying.
"Single event noise exposure level (SENEL)"
shall mean the dBA level which, if it lasted for one second, would produce the same A-weighted sound energy as the actual event.
"Sound level (noise level)"
shall mean the weighted sound pressure level obtained by use of a sound level meter having a standard frequency filter for attenuating part of the sound spectrum.
"Sound level meter"
shall mean an instrument, including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter, and frequency weighting networks for the measurement and determination of noise and sound levels.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
A. 
Exterior Noise Standards.
1. 
The following noise standards for maximum allowable noise level due to stationary and mobile noise sources shall apply to all development and infrastructure projects, unless otherwise specifically indicated:
Table 8.20.020A. Performance Standards for Exterior Noise Sources, Including Affected Properties
Type of Land Use
Exterior Noise Standards1, 2
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
All single-family residential properties
55 dB(A)
50 dB(A)
All multifamily residential properties and mobile home parks
60 dB(A)
55 dB(A)
Sensitive non-residential uses, including, but not limited to, schools, daycares, and hospitals
60 dB(A)
55 dB(A)
All commercial property
70 dB(A)
65 dB(A)
The residential portion of mixed-use properties
60 dB(A)
55 dB(A)
Notes:
1.
Hourly Average (Leq).
2.
No city standards have been included for interior noise levels. Residential uses would need to comply with California Title 24 interior noise limits for habitable rooms.
2. 
The exterior noise standards shall be applied at the point closest to the noise source along the property line of the receiving property.
3. 
In the event the ambient noise level exceeds the noise standards identified in Table 8.20.020(A) of this section, the "adjusted ambient noise level" shall be applied as the noise standard. In cases where the noise standard is adjusted due to a high ambient noise level, the noise standard shall not exceed the "adjusted ambient noise level," or 70 dB(A), whichever is less. In cases where the ambient noise level is already greater than 70 dB(A), the ambient noise level shall be applied as the noise standard.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
A. 
Noise sensitive land uses shall be designed to minimize noise exposure to sensitive uses through the incorporation of site planning and architectural techniques.
B. 
Acoustical studies are required for all new discretionary projects, including those related to development and transportation, which have the potential to generate noise impacts or include sensitive uses that would be exposed to noise impacts which exceed the standards identified in this section or the adopted General Plan. The studies shall include representative noise measurements, estimates of existing and projected noise levels, and measures necessary to ensure compliance with this code section and the adopted General Plan.
C. 
New residential projects located adjacent to major freeways, hard rail lines, or light rail lines shall follow the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) vibration screening distance criteria to prevent residential uses from being exposed to vibrations exceeding 72 VdB (vibration velocity in decibels) for frequent events (more than 70 events per day), 75 VdB for occasional events (30 to 70 events per day), or 80 VdB for infrequent events (less than 30 events per day).
D. 
Applicants of projects requiring discretionary approval shall submit a vibration impact study if said project's construction utilizes pile drivers within 200 feet of existing buildings or vibratory rollers within 50 feet of existing buildings. The study shall include a detailed plan to avoid any potential significant impacts to existing structures due to groundborne vibrations, based on the California Department of Transportation's Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
The following activities shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
Emergency Exemption. The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency, or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work;
B. 
Warning Devices. Warning devices necessary for the protection of public safety, as for example police, fire and ambulance sirens, and train horns;
C. 
Outdoor Activities. Activities conducted on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds, including, but not limited to, school athletic and school entertainment events;
D. 
Motion picture production and related activities;
E. 
Railroad Activities. All locomotives and rail cars operated by any railroad which is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission;
F. 
Federal or State Preempted Activities. Any activity, to the extent regulation thereof has been preempted by state or federal law;
G. 
Motor Vehicles on Private Right-of-Way and Private Property. All legal vehicles of transportation operating in a legal manner in accordance with local, state and federal vehicle-noise regulations within the public right-of-way, or on private property;
H. 
Seismic surveys authorized by the State Land Commission;
I. 
Minor Maintenance to Residential Real Property. Noise sources associated with the minor maintenance of residential real property, provided said activities take place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
A. 
Construction hours shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. No construction shall occur on Sundays or legal holidays.
B. 
A Construction Noise Management Plan shall be submitted by the applicant for construction projects, when construction is located 200 feet or less from a sensitive receptor. The Construction Noise Management Plan shall include proper posting of construction schedules, appointment of a noise disturbance coordinator, and methods for assisting in noise reduction measures.
C. 
Noise reduction measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. 
Equipment and trucks used for project construction shall utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, equipment redesign, use of intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds) wherever feasible.
2. 
Except as provided herein, impact tools (e.g., jack hammers, pavement breakers, and rock drills) used for project construction shall be hydraulically or electrically powered to avoid noise associated with compressed air exhaust from pneumatically powered tools. However, where use of pneumatic tools is unavoidable, an exhaust muffler on the compressed air exhaust shall be used. External jackets on the tools themselves shall be used, if such jackets are commercially available. Quieter procedures shall be used, such as drills rather than impact equipment, whenever such procedures are available and consistent with construction procedures.
3. 
Temporary power poles shall be used instead of generators where feasible.
4. 
Stationary noise sources shall be located as far from adjacent properties as possible, and they shall be muffled and enclosed within temporary sheds, incorporate insulation barriers, or use other measures as determined by the city of provide equivalent noise reduction.
5. 
The noisiest phases of construction shall be limited to no more than 10 days at a time. Exceptions may be allowed if the city determines an extension is necessary and all available noise reduction controls are implemented.
6. 
Delivery of materials shall observe the hours of operation described in subsection A above. Truck traffic should avoid residential areas to the extent possible.
D. 
Noise Restrictions at Affected Properties. The contractor shall conduct construction activities in such a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected properties will not exceed those listed below:
1. 
Maximum noise levels for intermittent operation of mobile equipment for single-family residences shall not exceed 75 dBA.
2. 
Maximum noise levels for intermittent operation of mobile equipment for multi-family residences and/or mixed-use residential developments shall not exceed 80 dBA.
3. 
For purposes of this subsection, "intermittent operation of mobile equipment" means the use of machinery or vehicles on a construction site, including, but not limited to jackhammers, backhoes, drills, saws, sander grinders, where the equipment is operated in short bursts or at varying intervals.
E. 
Vibration. Development shall minimize vibration impacts to adjacent uses during demolition and construction. For sensitive historic structures, a vibration limit of 0.08 in/sec PPV (peak particle velocity) will be used to minimize the potential for cosmetic damage to the building. A vibration limit of 0.30 in/sec PPV will be used to minimize the potential for cosmetic damage at buildings of normal conventional construction.
F. 
Exemption.
1. 
The provisions of this section shall not apply to construction, repair or excavation by a public utility immediately necessary for the preservation of life or property and which requires immediate action.
2. 
Upon receipt of an application in writing, stating reasons for the request and the facts upon which such reasons are based, the city manager or his or her delegate may grant permission for construction, repair or excavation work during prohibited hours if the city manager finds the proposed work during restricted hours is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare or to preserve life or property.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in such a manner as to cause noise disturbance is prohibited.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)
A. 
Definitions. Unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, terms defined herein shall have the following meaning when used in this section.
"First response notice"
means a notice issued by a police officer pursuant to this section advising a responsible person that a loud party or noise disturbance is taking place and that the disturbance must cease.
"Loud party"
means any party, gathering or event where a police officer at the scene determines that there is a threat to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare.
"Noise disturbance"
means any call for police response related to violation of the noise control ordinance (Chapter 8.20 of the La Verne Municipal Code) or the noisy animal ordinance (Chapter 6.16 of the La Verne Municipal Code).
"Responsible person"
means the person or persons who owns, leases, resides or is in charge of the premises where the loud party or noise disturbance takes place; or the person or persons who organized the loud party or caused the noise disturbance. If the responsible person is a minor, then the parents or guardians will also be considered a responsible party and be jointly and severally liable for the second response service fee imposed by this section.
"Second response notice"
means a notice issued by a police officer pursuant to this section assessing a second response services fee for a second, or subsequent, response to a loud party or noise disturbance.
"Second response service fees"
means a fee imposed pursuant to this section to recover special security costs.
"Special security assignment"
means the assignment of La Verne police department personnel and equipment during a second, or subsequent, response to a loud party or noise disturbance after the issuing of a first response notice.
"Special security costs"
means costs of services provided by the La Verne police department associated with a special security assignment which may include personnel and equipment costs, damage to city property and injuries to city personnel.
B. 
Authorization to Assess a Second Response Service Fee. When a loud party or noise disturbance occurs, a police officer may issue a first response notice to a responsible person that the disturbance must cease. A second, or subsequent, response by a police officer, upon the issuing of a second response notice, may result in the imposition of a second response service fee to recover special security costs. The amount of the fee shall be determined, from time to time, by a resolution adopted by the city council.
C. 
Duties of the La Verne Police Department.
1. 
The La Verne police department shall develop written procedures to provide for training and the uniform implementation of this chapter.
2. 
The La Verne police department shall develop a first response notice, a second response notice, and any other forms or other documents necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.
3. 
The La Verne police department shall develop a post-second response notice administrative appeal hearing procedure to determine whether the second response service fee was assessed to the proper responsible person or was properly issued.
D. 
The fee authorized by this section is in addition to any criminal penalties that may be imposed if a citation is issued or an arrest made.
(Ord. 25-1134, 9/15/2025)