How to Reduce Noise Pollution in Long Beach

Noise pollution is an invisible yet pervasive environmental issue affecting the quality of life in coastal urban centers like Long Beach, California. Unlike smog or litter, noise pollution often goes unnoticed until its health and psychological impacts become undeniable—sleep disruption, elevated stress levels, hearing loss, and reduced cognitive performance in children. Long Beach, with its bustling port, dense traffic corridors, frequent aviation activity, and vibrant nightlife, faces unique challenges in managing sound levels across residential, commercial, and marine zones. Reducing noise pollution in Long Beach isn’t just about creating quieter streets; it’s about safeguarding public health, improving property values, fostering community well-being, and complying with state and federal environmental standards. This comprehensive guide provides actionable, science-backed strategies for residents, city planners, business owners, and policymakers to systematically reduce noise pollution across the city.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify Primary Noise Sources in Your Neighborhood

The first step in reducing noise pollution is accurate identification. Long Beach’s noise profile varies significantly by zone. The Port of Long Beach and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) flight paths contribute major sources of industrial and aviation noise, particularly in neighborhoods like Naples, Signal Hill, and the Westside. Traffic noise dominates along major arteries such as the 710 Freeway, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and Long Beach Boulevard. Construction sites, nightlife venues, and even recreational boating add to the acoustic burden.

Residents can begin by mapping noise sources using free tools like the NoiseTube app or Decibel X, which record decibel levels in real time. Log times, locations, and types of noise (e.g., truck idling, jet flyovers, amplified music). Share this data with local neighborhood associations or the Long Beach Department of Public Works to build a community noise inventory.

2. Advocate for Quiet Pavement Technologies

Asphalt surfaces are a major contributor to tire-road noise, especially on high-traffic roads. Traditional asphalt can generate 85–95 decibels at highway speeds. Long Beach has begun piloting “quiet pavement” technologies, including porous asphalt and rubberized asphalt mixes that absorb sound rather than reflect it.

Residents can petition the city to prioritize quiet pavement on key corridors. Submit formal requests via the Long Beach City Council’s public comment portal, citing studies from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that show quiet pavement can reduce traffic noise by 3–10 decibels—a perceptible improvement equivalent to halving perceived loudness. Encourage the city to adopt the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Quiet Pavement Program guidelines for future resurfacing projects.

3. Implement Building Envelope Improvements

Windows, walls, and roofs are the first line of defense against external noise. Older homes in Long Beach, particularly those built before 1980, often have single-pane windows and minimal insulation. Upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows with laminated glass can reduce exterior noise by up to 70%.

Homeowners and landlords should also consider adding acoustic insulation to exterior walls, sealing gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping, and installing heavy, sound-dampening curtains. For multi-family units, the city’s building code allows for sound transmission class (STC) ratings to be enforced in new construction—advocate for these standards to be retroactively applied in renovation permits.

4. Support and Participate in Traffic Calming Initiatives

High-speed traffic increases noise exponentially. Traffic calming measures such as speed humps, roundabouts, chicanes, and narrowed lanes reduce vehicle speeds and, consequently, engine and tire noise. Long Beach has successfully implemented traffic calming in neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and the Eastside through the Vision Zero program.

Residents can request a traffic calming assessment from the Long Beach Transportation Department. Gather signatures from neighbors, document noise complaints, and present data on vehicle speeds collected via radar guns or smartphone apps. Propose pilot zones where speed limits are lowered to 25 mph and traffic is routed away from schools and residential clusters.

5. Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption and Infrastructure

Internal combustion engine vehicles are among the loudest contributors to urban noise. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce significantly less noise, especially at low speeds. Long Beach has set a goal of transitioning its municipal fleet to 100% electric by 2030. Residents can support this transition by installing EV charging stations at home, choosing EVs for personal use, and advocating for expanded public charging infrastructure.

Partner with local organizations like the Long Beach Green Business Program to offer incentives for EV purchases. Encourage apartment complexes and workplaces to install Level 2 chargers. Every EV added to the road reduces not only emissions but also ambient noise levels, particularly during morning and evening commutes.

6. Enforce and Strengthen Noise Ordinances

Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 6.28 regulates noise levels, prohibiting excessive noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and setting limits for construction, amplified sound, and vehicle horns. However, enforcement is inconsistent due to limited resources and lack of public reporting.

Residents can help by documenting violations with timestamped audio/video evidence and submitting formal complaints through the city’s 311 system. Attend City Council meetings to urge increased funding for noise enforcement officers. Propose the creation of a dedicated Noise Complaint Response Unit, modeled after Seattle’s program, which uses mobile sound meters to verify violations in real time.

7. Establish Quiet Zones Around Sensitive Areas

Designating “Quiet Zones” around schools, hospitals, libraries, and senior centers can significantly reduce chronic noise exposure. The Federal Railroad Administration has successfully implemented Quiet Zones near rail lines by installing grade-crossing barriers and eliminating unnecessary horn use.

Long Beach can adapt this model by creating “Quiet Corridors” near schools such as Long Beach Polytechnic High and California State University, Long Beach. Install signage indicating reduced speed limits and no-honking zones. Collaborate with the Long Beach Unified School District to install noise-reducing landscaping and classroom window upgrades.

8. Enhance Urban Greening and Vegetative Barriers

Plants are natural sound absorbers. Trees, shrubs, and hedges can reduce noise by 5–10 decibels when planted in dense, multi-layered buffers. The city’s Urban Forest Master Plan aims to increase tree canopy cover to 25% by 2040—a goal that directly benefits noise reduction.

Residents can plant native, evergreen species such as Coast Live Oak, California Lilac, and Toyon along property lines and in medians. Advocate for the city to prioritize vegetation in infrastructure projects: replace concrete barriers with vegetated berms along the 710 Freeway, and install green walls on public parking structures. Community tree-planting events organized by the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department can engage residents while expanding sound buffers.

9. Regulate and Designate Nighttime Entertainment Zones

Long Beach’s downtown and Shoreline Village are popular for dining and nightlife, but amplified music and crowd noise often spill into adjacent residential areas. The city can mitigate this by designating specific “Entertainment Zones” with strict acoustic controls.

Businesses in these zones should be required to install sound barriers, use directional speakers, and comply with real-time decibel monitoring. Implement curfews for outdoor amplification after 10 p.m. and require venues to submit noise impact assessments before obtaining permits. Encourage the use of “quiet technology” such as in-ear monitoring systems for musicians and sound-dampening flooring in clubs.

10. Engage in Community Noise Mapping and Citizen Science

Collective data is powerful. Organize neighborhood noise mapping projects using open-source platforms like SoundCite or NoiseCapture. Train volunteers to collect decibel readings at consistent times and locations over several weeks. Compile the data into heat maps and present them to city officials to justify funding for noise mitigation projects.

Partner with California State University, Long Beach’s Environmental Science Department to integrate these projects into undergraduate research. Publicly shared data not only builds awareness but also creates accountability, showing decision-makers where noise is most acute and where interventions will have the greatest impact.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Prevention Over Reaction

It’s far more cost-effective and humane to prevent noise pollution than to treat its effects. When planning new developments, require noise impact assessments as part of the environmental review process. Apply the “Hierarchy of Controls” used in occupational safety: eliminate the noise source first, then substitute quieter alternatives, implement engineering controls, use administrative controls (like scheduling), and only then rely on personal protective equipment.

2. Adopt the WHO’s Nighttime Noise Guidelines

The World Health Organization recommends that nighttime outdoor noise levels should not exceed 40 decibels to prevent adverse health effects. Long Beach currently lacks enforceable nighttime noise benchmarks for residential areas. Advocate for adopting these WHO standards into local ordinances, with clear metrics for compliance and penalties for violations.

3. Coordinate Across Agencies

Noise pollution crosses jurisdictional boundaries. The Port of Long Beach, Caltrans, the FAA, and the City of Long Beach must collaborate on integrated noise management. Push for a unified Long Beach Noise Task Force that includes representatives from each agency, environmental groups, and community members. This body should meet quarterly and publish transparent reports on noise trends and mitigation progress.

4. Use Acoustic Modeling for Planning

Before approving new construction, road expansions, or port developments, require the use of predictive noise modeling software such as NOISEMAP or CadnaA. These tools simulate how sound propagates through urban environments and help identify optimal placement of barriers, green buffers, and building layouts to minimize impact on nearby homes.

5. Educate the Public on Personal Noise Reduction

Many residents are unaware of simple ways to reduce their own noise footprint. Launch a public education campaign called “Quiet Long Beach” featuring tips such as:

• Using electric lawn equipment instead of gas-powered models
• Not idling vehicles for more than 30 seconds
• Keeping car stereos at reasonable volumes
• Choosing quieter appliances and HVAC systems

Distribute materials in multiple languages through libraries, community centers, and school newsletters.

6. Incentivize Quiet Design in Architecture

Offer tax credits or expedited permitting for developers who incorporate noise-reducing design elements: sound-absorbing façades, elevated building platforms to buffer street noise, rooftop gardens, and strategically placed courtyards. Create a “Quiet Building Certification” program modeled after LEED, with criteria for exterior insulation, window performance, and landscaping integration.

7. Monitor Long-Term Health Outcomes

Link noise reduction efforts to public health metrics. Work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to track changes in hypertension rates, sleep disorder diagnoses, and pediatric asthma incidents in neighborhoods where noise mitigation has been implemented. Demonstrating a measurable health benefit strengthens future funding requests and policy support.

8. Engage Youth and Schools

Students are powerful advocates. Integrate noise pollution into K–12 science curricula. Sponsor student-led “Quiet City” design challenges where teams propose noise-reducing solutions for local landmarks. Recognize winning projects at City Council meetings. This builds civic engagement and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Tools and Resources

1. Mobile Noise Measurement Apps

• Decibel X – iOS and Android app with calibrated decibel readings, historical logging, and exportable reports.
• NoiseTube – Open-source app developed by EU researchers that crowdsources noise data globally.
• Sound Meter – Simple, reliable tool for real-time ambient noise analysis.

2. Government and Academic Databases

• Long Beach City Council Noise Ordinance (Chapter 6.28) – Official legal text governing permissible noise levels.
• Caltrans Quiet Pavement Program – Technical specifications and case studies for low-noise road surfaces.
• FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) 2.5 – Free software for modeling traffic noise impacts.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines – Mandates noise impact analysis for public projects.
• CSULB Environmental Science Department – Research partnerships and student-led noise monitoring projects.

3. Professional Noise Control Products

• Acoustic Window Inserts – Companies like Indow offer custom-fit, removable inserts that reduce noise without replacing windows.
• Soundproofing Blankets – Heavy-duty moving blankets made with mass-loaded vinyl for temporary barriers.
• Green Noise Barriers – Prefabricated vegetated walls from companies like Green Wall Systems.
• Quiet Pavement Materials – Rubberized asphalt from suppliers like CalPortland and Tarmac.

4. Community Engagement Platforms

• Nextdoor – Hyperlocal network for organizing neighborhood noise campaigns.
• FixMyStreet – Platform to report and track noise complaints publicly.
• Long Beach Community Voice – City-sponsored portal for submitting ideas and feedback on public services.

5. Educational Materials

• WHO Guidelines for Community Noise – Free downloadable report available at who.int.
• “Quiet Cities” by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Case studies from across the U.S.
• Long Beach Parks & Recreation Noise Awareness Brochure – Available at city libraries and community centers.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 710 Freeway Noise Barrier Project

In 2020, the California Department of Transportation installed 12-foot-tall noise barriers along the 710 Freeway between Lakewood Boulevard and Carson Street, targeting the neighborhoods of Signal Hill and East Long Beach. The barriers, constructed with reflective and absorptive materials, reduced noise levels by 7–10 decibels in nearby homes. Residents reported improved sleep quality and reduced stress. This project, funded through federal highway grants and local matching funds, became a model for future infrastructure upgrades.

Example 2: Belmont Shore Business District Quiet Hours

After receiving over 300 noise complaints in 2021, the Belmont Shore Business Improvement District partnered with local restaurants and bars to implement “Quiet Hours” from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Outdoor music was banned after 10 p.m., and all patrons were asked to keep conversations at moderate levels. The district installed directional lighting and signage reminding patrons to be considerate. Within six months, noise complaints dropped by 62%. The initiative was so successful that it was expanded to the Shoreline Village area in 2023.

Example 3: Long Beach Polytechnic High School Sound Buffer Initiative

Adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach Polytechnic High experienced high levels of traffic noise during school hours. In 2022, the school district, with support from the city’s Urban Forestry Program, planted a 150-foot-wide buffer of native shrubs and trees along the school’s western perimeter. The vegetation reduced ambient noise by an estimated 8 decibels. The project also included the installation of noise-reducing window film in classrooms. Teachers reported improved student concentration and fewer disruptions during lessons.

Example 4: Port of Long Beach’s Shore Power Program

Ships at berth traditionally run diesel engines to power onboard systems, generating significant noise and emissions. The Port of Long Beach implemented a shore power program in 2018, allowing vessels to plug into the electrical grid while docked. Since implementation, noise levels near the port’s berths have dropped by 15%, and diesel emissions have decreased by over 90%. The program now serves more than 1,200 vessels annually and has inspired similar initiatives in the Port of Los Angeles.

Example 5: CSULB Student Noise Mapping Project

In 2023, a team of environmental science students at California State University, Long Beach, conducted a citywide noise mapping project using 50 calibrated smartphone sensors placed in 10 neighborhoods. They found that noise levels near the Long Beach Airport’s flight path exceeded WHO recommendations by 12 decibels during peak hours. Their findings were presented to the City Council and led to the allocation of $1.2 million for acoustic insulation grants for homes within the 65-decibel contour line. The project also resulted in a permanent student internship position within the city’s Environmental Health Division.

FAQs

What is considered excessive noise in Long Beach?

Under Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 6.28, noise exceeding 75 decibels between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or 65 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. from a residential property is considered excessive. For commercial zones, limits are higher but still regulated. Sustained noise from vehicles, construction, or amplified sound that disturbs the peace may also be cited regardless of decibel level.

Can I file a noise complaint anonymously?

Yes. You can file a noise complaint through the city’s 311 system without providing your name. However, providing contact information allows city staff to follow up with you if additional evidence is needed or if the issue persists.

Are there grants available for noise-reducing home improvements?

Currently, there are no city-wide grants specifically for residential noise reduction. However, homeowners in designated noise-affected zones near the airport or port may qualify for federal or state mitigation funds. Check with the Long Beach Housing Authority and the California Air Resources Board for potential programs.

How does noise pollution affect children’s learning?

Studies from the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization show that chronic exposure to noise above 55 decibels impairs reading comprehension, memory retention, and attention span in children. Schools near highways or airports have been shown to have lower standardized test scores. Noise reduction in classrooms directly correlates with improved academic outcomes.

Why isn’t the airport required to fly quieter routes?

Flight paths are primarily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), not local governments. However, the FAA allows for community input through its Noise Compatibility Program. Long Beach residents can submit formal comments during FAA environmental reviews and advocate for preferred runway use that minimizes overflight of residential areas.

Can I install my own noise barrier?

Yes, as long as it complies with local zoning and building codes. Fences over six feet in height require a permit. Vegetative barriers and sound-absorbing panels are generally encouraged. Avoid reflective barriers that may redirect noise toward neighbors.

How often is noise monitoring conducted by the city?

The city does not conduct routine, citywide noise monitoring. However, the Department of Public Works responds to complaints with mobile sound meters when sufficient evidence is provided. Community-led monitoring is currently the most reliable source of ongoing data.

What’s the difference between noise and sound?

Sound is any vibration that travels through the air and can be heard. Noise is unwanted or disruptive sound. In environmental terms, noise pollution refers to any sound that interferes with daily activities, causes stress, or harms health—even if it’s technically within legal limits.

Conclusion

Reducing noise pollution in Long Beach is not a single-task initiative—it is a multi-faceted, community-driven effort that requires collaboration between residents, businesses, educators, and city agencies. From upgrading windows and planting trees to advocating for quiet pavement and enforcing nighttime ordinances, every action contributes to a quieter, healthier, and more livable city. The benefits extend beyond comfort: improved sleep, reduced cardiovascular risk, enhanced academic performance, and stronger community cohesion are all measurable outcomes of sustained noise reduction.

Long Beach has the tools, the science, and the public will to become a national leader in urban noise management. What’s needed now is consistent action—individuals speaking up, neighborhoods organizing, and officials prioritizing quiet as a public health imperative. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you are not just reducing decibels—you are reclaiming peace, dignity, and well-being for yourself and future generations. The sound of silence is not a luxury. In Long Beach, it’s a right worth fighting for.