Los Angeles County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Los Angeles County, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- First offense fine
- Up to $100
- Second offense fine (within 1 year)
- Up to $200
- Third+ offense fine (within 1 year)
- Up to $500
- Max imprisonment
- 6 months
- Standard used
- Multi-factor test; no fixed quiet hours
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Los Angeles County prohibits willfully making loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs neighborhood peace or causes discomfort to a reasonable person. The ordinance applies countywide in unincorporated areas and uses a multi-factor test rather than fixed quiet hours.
13.45.010 - Loud, unnecessary and unusual noise. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter and in addition thereto, it shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. The standard which may be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exists may include, but not be limited to, the following: A.The level of noise;B.Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;C.Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;D.The level and intensity of any background noise;E.The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;F.The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates;G.The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;H.The time of the day or night the noise occurs;I.The duration of the noise;J.Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; andK.Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. (Ord. 2001-0075 § 1 (part), 2001.)
Full Breakdown
The factors a court may consider include: noise level, whether the noise is usual or unusual, whether it is natural or unnatural, background noise levels, proximity to residential sleeping facilities, the nature and zoning of the area, density of inhabitation, the time of day or night, duration, whether recurrent or constant, and whether it is commercial or noncommercial. There are no fixed prohibited hours in this provision; time of day is only one of the factors. Penalties escalate for repeat violations within a calendar year.
Violations & Fines
Guilty of a misdemeanor. First violation: fine up to $100. Second violation of same provision within one year: up to $200. Each additional violation of same provision within one year: up to $500. Imprisonment up to six months may also be imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the noise ordinance apply in unincorporated LA County?
Can I be cited for noise from a party?
What factors determine whether noise is a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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