Huntington Beach, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Live music, DJs, dancing at licensed venues
- Issuing authority
- Huntington Beach Police Chief
- Exterior audibility limit
- Not audible beyond 50 feet from walls
- Sound survey trigger
- New permits or structural modifications
- Police-call threshold
- More than 5 calls/12 months blocks renewal
- Reapplication bar after revocation
- 1 year
Summary
Bars and nightclubs offering live music, DJs or dancing in Huntington Beach need a Police Chief-issued entertainment permit under Municipal Code Section 5.44.020, and Section 5.44.070 lets the Chief bar noise from carrying more than 50 feet outside the building and require a licensed engineer's sound survey against the zoning district's decibel limits.
§ 5.44.070. Entertainment Restrictions. The Police Chief may impose the following restrictions on the entertainment permit to mitigate health, welfare and safety concerns. A. That entertainment is not audible beyond 50 feet from the exterior walls of the business in any direction. That doors and windows be closed during performances to alleviate noise issues. B. That the premises has sufficient sound-absorbing insulation such that noise generated within the premises shall not be audible from the exterior. C. For new permits or locations where structural modifications have been made, the applicant shall submit a sound survey prepared by a licensed engineer showing that the proposed entertainment will not create undue noise or violate the decibel limits for the zoning district. This survey shall state the maximum allowable interior decibel limits.
Full Breakdown
020 requires any 'Establishment' serving alcohol and offering 'Entertainment' (live music, a DJ, dancing or similar activity intended to hold patrons' attention) to hold an entertainment permit issued by the Police Chief before providing it. 060(A), the Chief cannot approve the permit if past entertainment permits at the location generated public or private nuisances, violated noise regulations, or drew more than five police service calls in the preceding 12 months. 070 lets the Chief condition the permit on entertainment not being 'audible beyond 50 feet from the exterior walls of the business in any direction,' on doors and windows staying closed during performances, and on the premises carrying enough sound-absorbing insulation that interior noise is not audible outside.
For a new permit or after structural changes, the applicant must submit a sound survey from a licensed engineer stating the maximum allowable interior decibel limits for the zoning district. 070(G) makes clear these conditions apply at all hours, whether or not entertainment is actually taking place at the time.
Violations & Fines
Section 5.44.110 lets the Police Chief revoke or suspend an entertainment permit on evidence that upheld administrative or criminal citations show the venue creates public health, safety or welfare problems, including recurring noise violations. Section 5.44.130 bars a revoked permit holder from reapplying for one year, and Section 5.44.150 charges every separate violation as its own count in an administrative or criminal enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Huntington Beach bars need a permit for live music or DJs?
How loud can a Huntington Beach nightclub be?
Can Huntington Beach revoke an entertainment permit over noise complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Huntington Beach to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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