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

HBMC Chapter 8.40 establishes Huntington Beach's noise control framework, with quiet hours running from 10 PM to 7 AM as the primary nighttime enforcement period. During these hours, any noise source that is audible beyond the boundaries of the property where it originates and disturbs the peace, comfort, or repose of residents in the vicinity is unlawful. This applies broadly to amplified music, live bands, loudspeakers, television or radio played at excessive volume, loud conversations or gatherings, powered lawn or garden equipment, and mechanical equipment such as generators or compressors.

Huntington Beach's coastal location and its reputation as "Surf City USA" mean that residential neighborhoods are frequently adjacent to entertainment corridors, vacation rentals, and beach-adjacent gathering areas, which makes quiet-hour enforcement a recurring priority for the Huntington Beach Police Department. The city treats quiet-hour violations as infractions or misdemeanors depending on severity and frequency. Officers responding to noise complaints will typically issue a warning on the first visit and a citation on subsequent visits within the same night. Chronic offenders — particularly short-term rental operators and party houses — may face escalating enforcement including administrative penalties and referral to the City Attorney's office.