California Law on Noisy Neighbors

Noisy neighbors can affect the quality of your homeowning experience

Unnecessary and unabated noise that creates a nuisance for a neighbor or community is a misdemeanor offense according to California penal code 373A.

Quiet Hours

Because some tasks like mowing the lawn and home renovation can be noisy no matter what, local communities designate quiet hours, or a window of time where these tasks may not be worked on because they create a nuisance. California Civil code 3482.1 designates these nighttime hours between 10 pm and 7 am.

Barking Dogs

Noise from a neighbor's barking dog falls under the jurisdiction of local Departments of Animal Control. A misdemeanor offense could result in a fine of $1,000 or six months in jail if all complaints and attempts to stop the noise are ignored.

Handling Complaints

California's Noise Control Act of 1973 states that the laws put forth by the state are neither an expansion or a limitation on the ordinances put forth by local government; all complaints must be handled on a local level. For example, Los Angeles has its own Noise Enforcement Team which is set up to investigate various longstanding noise complaints such as construction. In any case, contact local law enforcement to abate any noise complaints.

References

• NOLO: Neighbors and Noise - Frequently Asked Questions
• California Law: Penal Code 373
• Official site of the LAPD: Nuisance Related Questions
• California Law: Noise Control Act, Declarations and Intent
• Department of Animal Care and Control: Animal Laws and Ordinances