Hawthorne, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Hawthorne, CA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- HMC § 9.33.030
- Standard type
- Subjective disturbance test
- Cost-recovery cap
- $1,500 per subsequent response
- Enforcing agency
- Police / code enforcement dept.
- Related
- Noisy animals barred, § 9.33.040
Summary
Hawthorne bars anyone from operating amplifying devices, speakers, radios, TVs or music equipment on private property in a way that disturbs neighbors' peace and comfort. There's no fixed decibel threshold in this section; violations are judged case by case and enforced by police or code enforcement.
No person shall knowingly or wantonly use or operate, in or upon private property, any of the following types or kinds of items as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants. A. any mechanical device, machine, apparatus or instrument for the intensification or amplification of the human voice or other sound. B. any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set or other electrical/electronic device for the producing or reproducing of sound, speech, and/or music.
Full Breakdown
030 makes it unlawful to knowingly or wantonly use or operate, on private property, any mechanical device, machine, apparatus or instrument that intensifies or amplifies the human voice or other sound, or any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, or other electrical/electronic device for producing or reproducing sound, speech or music, if doing so disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants. 020: the sound level compared to ambient noise, whether the noise is usual or unusual, proximity to residential sleeping areas, time of day, duration, and whether the source is commercial or noncommercial.
040, separately bans noisy animals disturbing a neighborhood. 050, once officers respond to a disturbance call, they can notify the responsible person that further responses will trigger cost liability to the city, capped at $1,500 per subsequent response, billed by the finance department. 060 if a minor is the one creating the disturbance after notice has been given. 34.
Violations & Fines
A disturbance under Chapter 9.33 is enforced first through police or code enforcement response and warning notice; a second response for the same disturbance can trigger city cost-recovery billing up to $1,500 under § 9.33.050. Separately, general code violations are misdemeanors under § 1.20.010, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for amplified music at home in Hawthorne?
Can the city bill me for police responding to my party twice?
Am I liable if my teenager throws the loud party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
California rules heatmap·Compare Hawthorne to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.