25 Jun Turn the Noise Down or Get a Visit from the Police
Now that summer is here, your weekends are filling up fast with parties at your place and your friends’ places. That means you need to have a pumped up playlist of the latest chart topping songs, a fridge full of alcohol, and the most down to earth friends. In addition to those party necessities, you also need to be mindful of your neighbors. They may not enjoy the loudness coming from your home or backyard at midnight. You could also be breaking the law if you are making too much noise so late at night.
Each city and county sets their own “quiet times” during which, people cannot be making excessive noise, such as having a party or doing construction work. Generally in California, quiet hours on weekdays would be between 10 or 11 pm to 7 or 8 am. On the weekends, it is typically between 11 pm or midnight until 8 or 10 am. These quiet hours do not mean you have to turn off your music and send your guests home, but you will need to turn the volume way down and perhaps move the party indoors.
The day before the party, it would be polite and courteous of you to let your neighbors know that you will be having friends over for a party. Let them know you will keep everything under control and will be mindful of the noise. If they have a complaint of excessive noise, encourage them to come knock on your door or give you a call so you can personally handle the issue immediately.
In some instances, a neighbor will make a call to the police about the noise. The police will come knock on your door and warn you to keep it down. If the police have to come back a second or third time, then they will be more inclined to shut your party down and issue you a citation. Remember that although the police may be responding to a noise complaint, they will also be on the lookout for alcohol and drug use. They may even sit outside in their patrol cars for a little bit to monitor your party and watch out for any drunken party guests deciding to get behind the wheel to head home.