Fullerton Quiet Hours Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsThe Short Version
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 establishes quiet hours during which noise that disturbs the peace of residential neighborhoods is prohibited. Nighttime quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays. During these hours, any noise audible beyond the property line of a residential dwelling that disturbs or could disturb a person of normal sensitivity is unlawful. The ordinance covers amplified music, loud gatherings, barking dogs, mechanical equipment, and other sources of unreasonable noise.
Full Breakdown
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 (Noise Regulations) establishes the city's framework for controlling unreasonable noise. The quiet-hours provisions designate the period from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays as protected nighttime hours. During these hours, any noise emanating from a property that is audible at or beyond the property line of a neighboring residential dwelling and that would disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivity constitutes a violation.
Fullerton, home to Cal State Fullerton and its approximately 40,000-student campus, experiences particular quiet-hours enforcement activity in neighborhoods surrounding the university and the historic downtown entertainment district. The city's code enforcement and police department actively respond to noise complaints from these areas, especially on weekend nights. Common quiet-hours violations include amplified music from house parties, outdoor gatherings with loud conversation, barking dogs left outdoors, and operation of power tools and yard equipment. During daytime hours, noise that is willfully or negligently unreasonable and disturbs the peace and comfort of neighboring residents may also be cited as a public nuisance under the general provisions. Residents may report noise complaints to the Fullerton Police Department non-emergency line at (714) 738-6800. For chronic issues involving property conditions such as persistent mechanical noise, Code Enforcement can be reached at (714) 738-6800.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Quiet-hours violations are infractions punishable by fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense within one year, and up to $500 for subsequent offenses within one year. Chronic noise disturbances that constitute a public nuisance may be prosecuted as misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail. Repeat offenders may also face civil abatement proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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