Noise Ordinances in Hawthorne, CA (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for Hawthorne, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Hawthorne's nighttime quiet hours run 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Under its Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138, in Municipal Code Title 9), the one-hour average sound level at residential property may not exceed 60 dBA daytime or 50 dBA at night. Amplified sound audible 50 feet away between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prima facie unlawful.
Hawthorne Quiet Hours & Nighttime Noise
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Hawthorne's Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138) bar construction noise heard beyond the property line outside set hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and none on Sundays or City holidays. Construction may not exceed a 75 dBA hourly average at residential property. A DIY exception allows non-commercial work on your own property 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays/holidays.
Hawthorne Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Hawthorne's Noise Regulations make it unlawful to keep any animal that, by frequent or long-continued noise, causes annoyance or discomfort to reasonable persons of normal sensitivity in the vicinity. A written affirmation from two persons at separate residences that the noise disturbs their peace and quiet is prima facie evidence of a violation. This city rule applies within city limits.
Hawthorne Barking Dogs & Animal Noise
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Hawthorne bans portable leaf blowers citywide. Under its Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138), it is unlawful to use any portable machine powered by a gasoline engine OR electric motor to blow leaves, dirt, and debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns, and other surfaces. This is stricter than California's statewide rule, which targets only gas-powered equipment.
Hawthorne Leaf Blower Ban
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Hawthorne prohibits operating any radio, stereo, instrument, loudspeaker, or sound amplifier so as to disturb the peace and comfort of a reasonable person in any residential or public area. Operation between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. that is plainly audible 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation under Ordinance No. 2138.
Hawthorne Amplified Music & Sound
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Hawthorne's Noise Regulations make it unlawful to operate aircraft or engines within or above the city in violation of the chapter, but in-flight aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA (Burbank v. Lockheed). The city's main tool is the FAA-approved Hawthorne Municipal Airport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program (December 2017). Adjacent LAX is governed by FAA, not city code.
Hawthorne Aircraft Noise
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Hawthorne's Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138) apply one-hour average sound limits to stationary sources like machinery, pumps, and air conditioners, measured at the receiving property. Commercial property (C-2, C-3, Regional Commercial) not abutting residential is capped at 65 dBA anytime; where it abuts residential, the 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night limits apply.
Hawthorne Industrial & Stationary Noise
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Hawthorne's Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138) set one-hour average sound limits measured at the receiving property. Residential and abutting property: 60 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), 50 dBA at night. Commercial (C-2, C-3, Regional Commercial) and UOS zones not abutting residential: 65 dBA anytime. Short bursts get graduated allowances, e.g. +3 dB for up to 30 minutes hourly.
Hawthorne Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
In Hawthorne's public parks, parking lots, and adjacent streets, operating a radio or sound device without prior written City Manager approval is prohibited if it exceeds 65 dBA (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) or 55 dBA (7:01 p.m.-6:59 a.m.), measured 10+ feet away. On private property, outdoor sound must meet the residential 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night limits.
Hawthorne Outdoor & Park Music
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Hawthorne enforces on- and off-highway vehicle noise under the California Vehicle Code, but its Noise Regulations (Ordinance No. 2138) separately prohibit noisy off-street engine racing, willful backfiring, tire screeching, and repairing or testing vehicles in a disturbing way. State law caps modified exhaust at 95 dBA (CVC 27150-27151) and bars sound systems audible 50 feet away (CVC 27007).
Hawthorne Vehicle Noise
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hawthorne city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Los Angeles County →