Los Angeles Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Quiet Hours
- 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Amplified Sound Rule
- Not audible beyond 150 ft at night
- Daytime Standard
- 5 dB above ambient at property line
- Fine Range
- $200 – $1,000
- Enforcement
- LAPD non-emergency (877-275-5273)
The Short Version
LA's noise rules are zone-based with quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM in residential areas. During those hours, any amplified sound that can be heard 150 feet from the source is a violation — no decibel meter needed. Daytime enforcement is mostly complaint-driven and less aggressive. The LAPD handles noise complaints but the city also has an Environmental Affairs department that deals with persistent issues. LA's biggest enforcement challenge is its sheer size — response times for noise complaints average 45 minutes to over 2 hours depending on the division.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 112 covers noise in the city. The nighttime rule is straightforward: between 9 PM and 7 AM, amplified sound (music, TV, PA systems) shouldn't be audible beyond 150 feet from the source. This is a practical standard — officers don't need meters, they just need ears.
Daytime enforcement uses the "5 dB above ambient" rule, which requires actual measurement. Since ambient noise in LA varies wildly — from 45 dB in hillside neighborhoods to 70 dB near freeways — the practical limit depends on where you live.
LA's party house ordinance (LAMC 116.01) adds teeth for repeat offenders. Properties that generate two or more noise complaints in a 30-day period can be declared a "party house" and face escalating fines. This was a direct response to chronic party houses in the Hollywood Hills and Venice areas. The first party house violation is $1,000, the second is $2,000, and it doubles from there.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Standard noise violations carry fines of $200-$1,000. Party house designation triggers fines starting at $1,000 for the first response, $2,000 for the second within 30 days. Property owners (not just tenants) can be held liable for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LA's party house ordinance?
Can I play music outdoors during the day in LA?
How long does LAPD take to respond to noise complaints?
How does Los Angeles compare?
See how Los Angeles's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.