Amplified Music & Events: Camarillo vs Thousand Oaks
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Camarillo and Thousand Oaks 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 →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Thousand Oaks regulates amplified music under its noise ordinance in TOMC Chapter 4-8. Amplified sound must not exceed residential noise standards at the property line. Quiet hours apply from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM on weekends.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM–7 AM weekdays, 10 PM–9 AM weekends |
| Permit Required | - | Yes, for outdoor amplified events |
| Enforcement | - | Thousand Oaks PD (805) 494-8200 |
| Code | - | TOMC Chapter 4-8 |
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).
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Can I play amplified music outdoors in Thousand Oaks?
Yes, during permitted hours and within noise limits. Amplified sound must not exceed residential noise thresholds at the property line. After 10 PM, sound should not be audible beyond your property.
Do I need a permit for a backyard party with a DJ?
Private events on your property do not require a permit, but you must comply with noise limits. Events in public parks or commercial venues with amplified sound require a special event permit from the City.
Who do I call about loud music in Thousand Oaks?
Contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department non-emergency line at (805) 494-8200 to report noise complaints including amplified music violations.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Thousand Oaks compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool