Huntington Park, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Chapter 9 of Title 4 regulates burglary and robbery alarm systems, alarm businesses, and alarm agents (§ 4-9.01). Section 4-9.02 defines an alarm system as a device designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure, or facility, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within one. Section 4-9.04(d) then states that the chapter does not apply to audible alarms affixed to automobiles. Everything else in the chapter therefore sits outside a car alarm's reach: the alarm system permit with a base fee of $20 for a new permit and $18 for renewal under § 4-9.07(c), adjusted each year under § 4-9.07(e); the audible alarm cutoff of 15 minutes in a residential zone or 30 minutes in a nonresidential zone under § 4-9.03(a)(1); and the false alarm service charges that start with the fourth law enforcement response in a fiscal year under § 4-9.08(a).

That leaves the noise provisions. Section 5-11.01 declares a nuisance any noise produced by the operation or use of any device, mechanical or otherwise, that is of sufficient loudness, intensity, or character, or of such continuance or recurrence, as to disturb the peace or quiet of any neighborhood. Section 5-11.02 makes it unlawful to create or continue that nuisance. Under § 5-11.03, the Police Chief can, on three hours' notice to the person responsible, cause the nuisance to be abated, and officers can enter private premises for that purpose once the three hours expire. The zoning code adds § 9-3.504, which makes it unlawful to willfully make or continue any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, and § 9-3.505 lists the factors weighed: loudness, purpose, the nature of the noise, proximity to residential sleeping facilities, time of day, duration and recurrence, and whether the source is residential or nonresidential.

The one vehicle-specific noise section, § 5-11.03.1, is written for radios, tape players, televisions and similar sound devices in a vehicle, and treats a sound plainly audible at 25 feet as prima facie evidence of a violation. It does not name alarms.