Whittier, CA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

56 defines a "party" broadly to include gatherings at residential dwellings as well as saloons, bars, nightclubs, pool halls, restaurants and theaters, and defines a "host or hostess" as anyone who owns, leases, organizes or profits from the event, including a minor's parent or guardian. It is unlawful to conduct or allow a party where noise is loud and unreasonable enough to maliciously and willfully disturb a reasonable person's peace, and continuing the noise after a peace officer's warning is prima facie evidence of that intent.

On the first police response, officers issue a written Notice of First Response that must be signed by the available host and warns that any second response within 24 hours carries a minimum $75 charge and potential arrest. If officers return within that window and again find a threat to public safety, the response becomes a special police assignment, and the host, together with the property owner and occupant, is jointly and severally liable for the full cost of officer time, equipment, injuries to personnel and attorney fees.

The city bills the responsible party by mail; a host who disputes the bill has 30 days to request a hearing before a hearing officer, whose decision can be appealed to the city council acting as a board of appeals within another 30 days. Unpaid invoices become a special assessment lien recorded against the property and collected like ordinary property taxes. Schools, permitted outdoor events and preempted activities are exempt.