Earlier editions: 2026-07
Municipal code
Hawthorne Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Hawthorne, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-04
- Contents
- 18 titles · 2,366 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Hawthorne
Contents
▸Title 1 — General Provisions
Overview- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.08 — CITY NAME AND SEAL
- Chapter 1.10 — CITY LETTERHEAD
- Chapter 1.12 — CITY BOUNDARIES
- Chapter 1.16 — PRISONERS
- Chapter 1.20 — GENERAL PENALTY
- Chapter 1.22 — INFRACTIONS
▸Chapter 1 — 23A. ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES OF CONTINUING VIOLATIONS OF THE HAWTHORNE MUNICIPAL C…
- Chapter 1 — 23B. ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THE HAWTHORNE MUNICIPAL CODE
- Chapter 1.24 — SEVERABILITY
▸Title 2 — Administration, Civil Service and Personnel
Overview- Chapter 2.02 — CITY POWERS
- Chapter 2.03 — HAWTHORNE TRANSPARENCY, DISCLOSURE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM ACT
- Chapter 2.04 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.06 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY ATTORNEY
- Chapter 2.10 — CITY RECORDS - FILING AND USE
- Chapter 2.12 — DEPARTMENTS IN CITY GOVERNMENT
- Chapter 2.16 — CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.17 — YOUTH COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.18 — CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.19 — VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.20 — SENIOR CITIZENS' COMMISSION
▸Chapter 2.22 — PARK, RECREATION AND FINE ARTS COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.24 — PARK AND RECREATION BUILDINGS
▸Chapter 2 — 26B. PUBLIC SKATE PARK FACILITY
- Chapter 2.28 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.29 — AIRPORT ZONING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.30 — CIVIL SERVICE GENERAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.32 — CLASSIFIED SERVICE
- Chapter 2.34 — APPLICATIONS AND APPLICANTS
- Chapter 2.36 — CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS
- Chapter 2.38 — ELIGIBLE LIST
- Chapter 2.40 — CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- Chapter 2.41 — RESERVE POLICE OFFICER PROGRAM
- Chapter 2.42 — PROMOTIONS
- Chapter 2.44 — VACANCIES
- Chapter 2.46 — ATTENDANCE, VACATIONS AND LEAVES
- Chapter 2.48 — COMPENSATION
- Chapter 2.50 — EMPLOYER - EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.52 — PUNITIVE ACTION AND APPEALS
- Chapter 2.54 — EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION
- Chapter 2.56 — COMPELLING ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES
- Chapter 2.60 — RESTRICTIONS PERTAINING TO FORMER CITY OFFICIALS
- Chapter 2.62 — CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY FOR MONEY OR DAMAGES
- Chapter 2.64 — CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
▸Title 3 — Revenue and Finance
Overview- Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL YEAR
- Chapter 3.08 — ASSESSMENT EQUALIZATION, LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES
- Chapter 3.12 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 3.16 — SECRET SERVICE ACCOUNT
▸Chapter 3.20 — PURCHASING SYSTEM AND CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC PROJECTS
- Chapter 3.26 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — SALE OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY BY POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 3.32 — SALE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.36 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.38 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.40 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.44 — UTILITY USER TAXES
- Chapter 3.45 — COMMUNICATION USERS' TAX
- Chapter 3.48 — EMERGENCY RESPONSE COST RECOVERY PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.52 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAM
▸Title 5 — Business Regulation and Licenses
Overview▸Division I — Business Licenses Generally
▸Division II — Businesses Regulated
Overview- Chapter 5.18 — BUSINESS LICENSES
- Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISING
- Chapter 5.22 — PRIVATE AMBULANCE SERVICES
- Chapter 5.24 — AUCTIONS
- Chapter 5.26 — AUTOMOBILE PARKING
- Chapter 5.27 — NEW CAR DEALERS
- Chapter 5.28 — USED CAR DEALERS
- Chapter 5.32 — BOWLING, BILLIARDS AND POOL HALLS
- Chapter 5.34 — CARNIVALS AND AMUSEMENTS
- Chapter 5.36 — CHRISTMAS TREE DEALERS
- Chapter 5.38 — CONTRACTORS
- Chapter 5.40 — DANCING AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Chapter 5.42 — DELIVERIES
- Chapter 5.44 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.46 — GARAGE OR LAWN SALES
- Chapter 5.48 — GROSS RECEIPTS FOR LICENSES
- Chapter 5.50 — LIQUIDATION SALES
- Chapter 5.52 — PAWNBROKERS, SECONDHAND DEALERS, JUNK DEALERS AND JUNK COLLECTORS
- Chapter 5.54 — PAY TOILETS IN PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.55 — FARMERS MARKETS
- Chapter 5.56 — PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND ITINERANT MERCHANTS
- Chapter 5.57 — VENDING FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
- Chapter 5 — 57A. SIDEWALK VENDING
- Chapter 5.58 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.62 — RENTALS AND RENTAL BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.64 — PUBLIC EATING ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.66 — OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS
- Chapter 5.68 — HOTELS AND MOTELS
- Chapter 5.72 — PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
- Chapter 5.74 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.76 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 5.78 — VENDING MACHINES
- Chapter 5.80 — MOVING OVERWIDTH AND OVERHEIGHT LOADS
- Chapter 5.82 — MOTOR FUEL PRICE SIGNS
- Chapter 5.84 — SALE AND POSSESSION OF AEROSOL PAINT AND DYE
- Chapter 5.86 — GRANTING OF FRANCHISES FOR CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.87 — VIDEO FRANCHISE FEES, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OTHER VIDEO-RELATED MATTERS
- Chapter 5.88 — UNIT PRICE MARKING
- Chapter 5.90 — BURGLARY, ROBBERY AND FIRE ALARMS
- Chapter 5.92 — ADULT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.94 — TOWING BUSINESS—CITY REFERRALS
- Chapter 5.96 — FILMING
- Chapter 5.98 — TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.99 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.100 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS
▸Title 6 — Animals
Overview- Chapter 6.04 — IMPOUNDING OF ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.08 — ANIMALS AT LARGE
- Chapter 6.10 — ANIMAL NUISANCES
- Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL REGISTRATION
- Chapter 6.16 — DANGEROUS, DISEASED AND DEAD ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.20 — RABIES VACCINATION
- Chapter 6.24 — ANIMAL CARE AND KEEPING ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.25 — ABATEMENT OF BARKING DOGS AS A NUISANCE
- Chapter 6.27 — DISPLAY OF WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.28 — ANIMALS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
- Chapter 6.30 — RETIREMENT OF POLICE CANINES
▸Title 8 — Health and Safety
Overview- Chapter 8.04 — HEALTH CODE
- Chapter 8.08 — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 8.10 — LETTER GRADE AND INSPECTION SCORE SYSTEM FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS— FOOD HANDLER'…
- Chapter 8.11 — QUALITY RATINGS FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES
- Chapter 8.12 — TREES, SHRUBS AND PLANTS
- Chapter 8.14 — WEED AND WASTE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES
- Chapter 8.16 — SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
- Chapter 8.17 — MANDATORY ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
- Chapter 8.18 — UNAUTHORIZED COLLECTION OF REFUSE PROHIBITED
- Chapter 8.19 — STREET SWEEPING FEE
- Chapter 8.21 — COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER CLEANING SCHEDULES
- Chapter 8.22 — GRAFFITI PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REMOVAL
- Chapter 8.24 — SALE AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
- Chapter 8.32 — FIRE PREVENTION
- Chapter 8.34 — FIREWORKS
- Chapter 8.35 — SANITATION
- Chapter 8.36 — HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
- Chapter 8.38 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Chapter 8.44 — LIABILITY FOR COSTS OF RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS WASTE OR SUBSTANCE SPILLS, RELEASE…
- Chapter 8.48 — SECONDHAND SMOKE AND SMOKING PROHIBITION
- Chapter 8.50 — STORMWATER AND URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION CONTROL
- Chapter 8.60 — WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
▸Title 9 — Public Peace, Morals and Welfare
Overview▸Division I — Offenses by or Against Public Officers or Government
▸Division III — Offenses Against Public Decency
▸Division IV — Offenses Against the Public Peace
Overview- Chapter 9.28 — ADVOCACY OF CRIME OR VIOLENCE
- Chapter 9.30 — STREET BANNERS
- Chapter 9.32 — HANDBILLS
- Chapter 9.33 — UNNECESSARY AND NUISANCE NOISE
- Chapter 9.34 — NOISE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.35 — ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS
- Chapter 9.36 — VIBRATION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.38 — PARADES
- Chapter 9.39 — COMMUNITY EVENTS PERMITS
- Chapter 9.40 — RACING
- Chapter 9.42 — RENTAL OF HOUSING USED FOR DRUG ACTIVITY
- Chapter 9.43 — SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES AND NONMOTORIZED WHEELED VEHICLES
▸Division V — Offenses Against Property
Overview- Chapter 9.48 — INJURY TO PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.50 — ENCROACHMENT ON CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.52 — TAMPERING WITH SEWERS AND WATERWAYS
- Chapter 9.54 — INJURY AND INTERFERENCE—FLOOD CONTROL
- Chapter 9.56 — UNAUTHORIZED GAS CONNECTION
- Chapter 9.58 — TRESPASS
- Chapter 9.60 — DISTURBING ANY LANDMARK OR MONUMENT
- Chapter 9.62 — UNLAWFUL CONDUCT — POLITICAL OR CAMPAIGN SIGNS, BANNERS AND THE LIKE
▸Division VI — Consumer Protection
Overview- Chapter 9.64 — UNAUTHORIZED PEDDLING OR SOLICITATION
- Chapter 9.65 — AGGRESSIVE AND ABUSIVE SOLICITATIONS—SOLICITATIONS IN PROHIBITED PLACES
- Chapter 9.66 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 9.67 — STREET AND HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 9.68 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 9.70 — GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.72 — TENANT RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
▸Division VIII — Weapons
▸Division IX — Controlled Substances
▸Division X — Lobbying
▸Title 10 — Vehicles and Traffic
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.09 — TRAFFIC REGULATIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS AND STUDIES
- Chapter 10.16 — SPEED LIMIT
- Chapter 10.20 — TRAFFIC AND PARKING CONTROL DEVICES/SIGNS AND MARKINGS
- Chapter 10.24 — CURB MARKINGS
- Chapter 10.28 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.32 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.36 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.38 — PREFERENTIAL STREET PARKING
- Chapter 10.40 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.44 — LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES
- Chapter 10.48 — CLINGING TO MOVING VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.52 — FUNERAL PROCESSION
- Chapter 10.56 — WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
- Chapter 10.60 — VEHICLES ON SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 10.62 — DOCKLESS SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.64 — VEHICULAR DISTURBANCE OF THE PEACE
- Chapter 10.68 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.69 — PARKING OF TRAILERS OR SEMITRAILERS
- Chapter 10.72 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 10.76 — BICYCLE REGISTRATION
- Chapter 10.77 — BICYCLE PARKING
- Chapter 10.80 — AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.84 — TRAINS
- Chapter 10.85 — PARKING FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
- Chapter 10.87 — MOBILE LIVING UNITS
▸Title 11 — Elections
▸Title 12 — Streets and Sidewalks
Overview- Chapter 12.04 — SIDEWALK AND CURB REPAIR
- Chapter 12.08 — SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 12.12 — OFFICIAL BENCHMARK
- Chapter 12.16 — ENCROACHMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 12.20 — OBSTRUCTING INTERSECTION
- Chapter 12.24 — OBSTRUCTING SIDEWALK
- Chapter 12.28 — DISCHARGING LIQUIDS ON STREET
- Chapter 12.30 — DEBRIS ON STREETS OR SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 12.31 — BULKY WASTE ON SIDEWALKS OR STREETS
- Chapter 12.32 — BENCHES IN STREETS
- Chapter 12.36 — NUMBERING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 12.38 — MUNICIPAL MESSAGE CENTER NETWORK
▸Title 13 — Water and Sewers
Overview▸Division I — Water
Overview- Chapter 13.04 — NEW SERVICE CONNECTIONS AND ENLARGEMENT
- Chapter 13.08 — WATER RATES AND CHARGES
- Chapter 13.12 — WATER USE—MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
- Chapter 13.16 — WATER USES
- Chapter 13.20 — SHUT-OFF AND CHECK VALVES
- Chapter 13.24 — METER TESTS
- Chapter 13.28 — CONSUMERS' RESPONSIBILITY
- Chapter 13.32 — CROSS-CONNECTIONS
- Chapter 13.36 — FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 13.40 — WATER DAMAGE
- Chapter 13.44 — WATER WELL AND CATHODIC PROTECTION
▸Division II — Sewage And Waste Disposal
Overview- Chapter 13.48 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 13.52 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 13.56 — SEWER CONNECTIONS
- Chapter 13.60 — CONNECTION FEES
- Chapter 13.64 — PUBLIC SEWER CAPACITY
- Chapter 13.68 — SEWER CHARGES
- Chapter 13.72 — SEWER CHARGE FUND
- Chapter 13.74 — SEWER SERVICE FEE
- Chapter 13.76 — COMMERCIAL WASTE DISCHARGE CONTROL
▸Title 14 — Technical Review and Study Requirements for Specified Development Projects
▸Title 15 — Buildings and Construction
Overview- Chapter 15.04 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES
- Chapter 15.05 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.06 — FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.07 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.13 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.14 — CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY
- Chapter 15.24 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.28 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.30 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.32 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.36 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.40 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.44 — MOVING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 15.48 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 15.50 — WATER MAINS AND FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 15.60 — BUILDING SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.70 — EXPEDITED STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCESS FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR E…
- Chapter 15.71 — EXPEDITED AND STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SY…
- Chapter 15.75 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 15.80 — RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) DEBRIS
- Chapter 15.85 — ACCESSIBLE AREAS FOR RECYCLING
▸Title 16 — Subdivisions
Overview- Chapter 16.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 16.08 — EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 16.12 — STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
- Chapter 16.16 — LOTS, BLOCKS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 16.20 — GRADES, CURVES AND TANGENTS
- Chapter 16.24 — SANITARY SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY
- Chapter 16.28 — UTILITY EASEMENTS
- Chapter 16.32 — PARKING AREAS
- Chapter 16.36 — PRELIMINARY SOIL REPORT
- Chapter 16.40 — TENTATIVE MAP
- Chapter 16.42 — VESTING OF TENTATIVE MAPS FOR SUBDIVISIONS
- Chapter 16.44 — FINAL MAP
- Chapter 16.48 — PENALTIES
- Chapter 16.52 — LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 16.56 — LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS
- Chapter 16.60 — DECLARATION OF PROJECT, ELEMENTS AND COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 16.64 — URBAN LOT SPLITS
▸Title 17 — Zoning
Overview- Chapter 17.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.02 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.03 — ADMINISTRATION, INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 17.04 — ZONING MAP
- Chapter 17 — 05a. USE CLASSIFICATION
- Chapter 17 — 05b. SPECIFIC PLANS
- Chapter 17 — 05c. AIRPORT MASTER PLAN
- Chapter 17 — 05e. AIRPORT OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 05f. RUNWAY PROTECTION OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 05g. HOUSING OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 05h. MIXED USE OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 05i. TRUCKING INTENSIVE OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 05j. BILLBOARD OVERLAY
- Chapter 17 — 06b. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES
- Chapter 17 — 06c. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Chapter 17 — 06d. RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 17 — 06e. YARDS
- Chapter 17.07 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
- Chapter 17 — 10a. GENERAL OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
- Chapter 17 — 10b. FENCES
- Chapter 17 — 10c. SETBACK LINES
- Chapter 17 — 10d. TRASH STORAGE
- Chapter 17 — 10e. WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 17 — 10f. PARKING
- Chapter 17 — 10g. SIGNS
- Chapter 17.11 — GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.13 — NONCONFORMITIES
- Chapter 17 — 20a. R-1 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 20b. R-2 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 20c. R-3 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 20d. R-4 ZONE
- Chapter 17.21 — RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.22 — RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 17 — 24b. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 17 — 24c. HOME OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 17 — 24d. FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES
- Chapter 17 — 24e. SHORT-TERM RENTAL PERMITS
- Chapter 17 — 24f. TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 17 — 30a. C-2 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 30b. C-3 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 30c. C-M ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 30d. C-R ZONE
- Chapter 17.31 — COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 17 — 32a. COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
- Chapter 17 — 32b. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SECURITY STANDARDS
- Chapter 17 — 34a. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SELECT COMMERCIAL USES
- Chapter 17 — 34b. ALCOHOLIC SALES
- Chapter 17 — 34c. TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING
- Chapter 17 — 34d. COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 17 — 40a. M-1 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 40b. M-2 ZONE
- Chapter 17 — 44b. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING
- Chapter 17.60 — OPEN SPACE ZONE AND STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.61 — HORTICULTURAL ZONE
- Title SR — Statutory References for California Cities
- Title PC — Prior Code Disposition Table
- Title OL — Ordinance List and Disposition Table