Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Riverside County are subject to Ordinance No. 847 noise limits plus Conditional Use Permit (CUP) noise conditions. Amplified music must not exceed 55 dBA at residential property lines after 10 PM. CA ABC may also impose noise conditions on alcohol licenses.
Bars, nightclubs, restaurants with entertainment, and venues with live or amplified music in unincorporated Riverside County operate under Ordinance No. 348 (Zoning) Conditional Use Permit provisions, Ordinance No. 847 (Noise), and California ABC license conditions. CUPs typically include site-specific noise restrictions — amplified music indoors with doors and windows closed, outdoor music ending by 10 PM, security plans, and parking lot noise management. The countywide noise ordinance imposes the 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night limits measured at residential property lines, which for music venues near residences often means outdoor amplification is effectively prohibited after 10 PM. ABC §25612.5 requires licensees to take reasonable measures to prevent noise disturbances; complaints to ABC can result in license conditions or suspension. The Riverside County Sheriff responds to noise calls and may issue administrative citations. Repeat violations may trigger a CUP revocation hearing before the Planning Commission. Deep bass frequencies are often regulated separately since A-weighted measurements under-represent low-frequency noise.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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