Noise complaints are a common occurrence in the City of Newport Beach. On many occasions the person responsible for the disturbance is unaware that they are bothering anyone. In most cases it is best for the person who is bothered to talk directly to the person creating the disturbance in person or by telephone. If done in a diplomatic way, most people will respond positively. Contacting the police immediately, without giving the person(s) the opportunity to correct the problem, can often strain relationships between friends and neighbors.

In cases where repeated attempts to resolve noise disturbances are ignored, a police response may be necessary. In those cases, a call to the police business line, at 644-3717, is appropriate. That number again is 644-3717. While it is not required that you leave your name when asked by the Dispatcher, it can be more effective if they have the name of a complaining party. The police will not routinely provide a callers name to the person causing the disturbance.

When the police respond to a noise disturbance call, the time of day, the type of noise, and length of disturbance, among many other things are considered in resolving the problem. The officer that responds will do his or her best to remedy the problem and has many tools at their disposal. For loud party calls the department uses a Disturbance Advisory Card. Issued at the officer's discretion this card will help resolve continuing party-house noise complaints. Once the card is completed, a notice is sent, by mail, to the resident and/or property manager or property owner. If the warnings are not heeded, fines are levied by the department's Environmental Services Officer.

Continued responses for the same problem may result in higher fines, citations, eviction or even arrest. The department tries to resolve noise problems with a minimal amount of police enforcement but will take any necessary action in order to respond to reasonable complaints.

For further information please contact the Environmental Services Officer at 644-3652.