Huntington Beach Construction Hours Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

HBMC Chapter 8.40 limits construction, demolition, excavation, and grading activity to the hours of 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday. All construction work is prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays recognized by the City of Huntington Beach. This schedule applies to all forms of construction including residential remodels, new construction, commercial tenant improvements, and site preparation work such as grading, trenching, and paving.

All construction equipment — including compressors, generators, saws, hammers, and powered hand tools — must be equipped with properly functioning mufflers and sound-dampening devices as originally installed by the manufacturer. Equipment that has been modified to remove or disable muffling devices, or that is in a state of disrepair causing excessive noise, is independently citable. Contractors performing work near the beach and pier area or in dense residential neighborhoods frequently receive heightened scrutiny due to the proximity of residences and the tourism-driven economy of the coastal zone.

The Community Development Department may issue extended-hour construction permits for essential public infrastructure projects, emergency utility repairs, or time-sensitive concrete pours that cannot be interrupted. These permits specify the allowed extended hours and any additional noise mitigation measures required, such as temporary sound barriers or vibration monitoring. Private developers seeking extended hours must demonstrate a compelling operational necessity and typically must notify affected residents in advance.