Amplified Music & Events: Camarillo vs Ojai
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ojai, CA?
Camarillo and Ojai have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Amplified music in Camarillo is regulated by Chapter 10.34 of the Camarillo Municipal Code (CMC). The ordinance does not set a separate dBA limit for amplifiers — instead, any amplified source must keep total noise at the receiving property line below the zone-based exterior standard (55 dBA Leq daytime / 45 dBA Leq nighttime in residential Noise Zone II) plus a tiered cumulative-time allowance.
View full Camarillo rules →Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Amplified music in Ojai is governed by the general noise ordinance (OMC Chapter 7-6). Outdoor amplified music requires a special event permit if audible beyond the property. Libbey Park events follow separate permit conditions managed by the city.
View full Ojai rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | CMC Ch. 10.34 (Noise Regulations) | - |
| Residential Daytime Limit | 55 dBA Leq (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) | - |
| Residential Nighttime Limit | 45 dBA Leq (9 p.m.–7 a.m.) | - |
| Commercial Limit | 65 dBA Leq day / 55 dBA Leq night | - |
| Cumulative Rule | +5 dBA / 20 min, +10 dBA / 10 min, +15 dBA / 1 min | - |
| Permit Lead Time | 7+ days (Special Event Permit) | - |
| Permit Office | Community Development, 805-388-5360 | - |
| Max Fine | $1,000 + up to 6 months (misdemeanor) | - |
| Daytime Limit | - | 55 dBA at property line |
| Nighttime Cutoff | - | 10 PM for outdoor amplified music |
| Events | - | Special event permit required |
| Ojai Music Festival | - | Operates under noise variance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
How loud can amplified music be at a Camarillo backyard party?
Sound measured at the neighboring property line cannot exceed 55 dBA Leq between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., or 45 dBA Leq between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Short bursts above those levels are allowed under CMC 10.34's tiered rule (up to +15 dBA for under one minute per hour), but anything above ambient + 5 dBA for more than 20 cumulative minutes per hour is a violation.
Do I need a permit for outdoor amplified music in Camarillo?
Yes — concerts, weddings, fundraisers and any event that will use amplified sound outdoors typically require a Special Event Permit filed with the Department of Community Development at least seven days before the event. Contact Planning at 805-388-5360 or planning@cityofcamarillo.org.
What happens if police are called for loud music in Camarillo?
Officers measure sound at the complainant's property line using an A-weighted meter and compare it to the CMC 10.34 standards. A first violation usually triggers a warning and an order to lower the volume; repeat or refusal-to-comply incidents are charged as misdemeanors under CMC 10.34 with administrative citations starting around $100 and rising for each subsequent violation in the same 12-month period.
Are car stereos covered by Camarillo's noise ordinance?
No — vehicles operated on a public highway, street or right-of-way are exempted from CMC 10.34 and are instead regulated by the California Vehicle Code, which bars amplified sound audible from 50 feet or more (Veh. Code §27007).
Ojai FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard party with a DJ?
If the music is audible beyond your property line, you should obtain a special event permit. All outdoor amplified music must comply with the 55 dBA daytime limit and stop by 10 PM.
What about the Ojai Music Festival?
The annual Ojai Music Festival operates under a special noise variance granted by the city. Specific sound conditions are part of the event permit.
Can restaurants play live music outdoors?
Yes, with a valid use permit that includes sound conditions. Music must comply with the noise ordinance and typically must end by 10 PM.
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