West Palm Beach, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- CWD-CD/CityPlace cap
- 85 dBA (95 dBC), 10 ft
- Other downtown areas
- 65 dBA (75 dBC)
- Northwood weekend peak
- 85 dBA Fri-Sun noon-1am
- First offense fine
- $500 per § 34-45
- Governing section
- City Code § 34-37
- Appeal window
- 10 days to special magistrate
Summary
Bars, restaurants, cabarets and performance venues in West Palm Beach's three special entertainment districts, Clematis Waterfront, CityPlace and Northwood Village, must not exceed fixed decibel caps measured ten feet from the building or property line. City Code § 34-37 sets those caps as the only noise rule that applies to licensed establishments inside the districts, overriding the general noise-disturbance standard in § 34-36.
(3)Sound level. Notwithstanding any other provisions of chapter 34, article II, the following sound level limitations are the only noise regulations that apply to sound production devices operated by licensed bars, restaurants, cabarets, performance venues, or other entities within a special entertainment district.a.When measured at a distance of ten feet or more from the building, structure, real property line, or establishment from which the sound is emanating within the Downtown master plan area:1.Sound shall not exceed:(i)Eighty-five (85) dBA or 95 dBC within the Clematis waterfront district conservation district (CWD-CD) and the CityPlace District (CPD)... (ii)Sixty-five (65) dBA or 75 dBC within all other areas of the Downtown master plan not regulated pursuant to section 34-37(3)(a)(1)(a) above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 76).
Full Breakdown
Section 34-37 of the noise control article carves out three special entertainment districts where the city trades its general 'noise disturbance' standard for a hard decibel ceiling. In the Clematis Waterfront District Conservation District and the CityPlace District (bounded by Gardenia Street, South Rosemary Avenue, South Quadrille Boulevard and Okeechobee Boulevard), licensed bars, restaurants, cabarets and performance venues must not exceed 85 dBA (95 dBC) measured at least ten feet from the building, structure or property line. Everywhere else inside the Downtown Master Plan area not covered by that higher cap, the limit drops to 65 dBA (75 dBC).
before falling back to 65 dBA (75 dBC) until noon. If the noise source sits 100 feet or more from the nearest structure, the city can take its reading from 15 feet instead of ten. These figures are the exclusive noise standard for licensed establishments inside the districts, superseding the general prohibition on 'noise disturbances' in § 34-36. Sound level meters used to enforce the caps must be recertified annually under § 34-39. The city phased in enforcement 30 days after the September 19, 2022 ordinance (Ord. No. 5018-22) took effect, giving venues a grace period with technical assistance before citations began.
Violations & Fines
A noise control officer who confirms an exceedance issues a written warning first if it's the establishment's first violation in six months, with 15 minutes to comply. A second infraction triggers a notice of violation carrying a $500 fine for a first offense, $1,000 for a second within six months, and up to $5,000 for a third or later offense under § 34-45. Violators can request a special magistrate hearing within ten days; unpaid fines become liens on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What decibel limit applies to a bar in CityPlace?
Does Northwood Village have different noise hours than CityPlace?
What happens after a first noise citation at a West Palm Beach bar?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Palm Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare West Palm Beach to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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Bar & Nightclub Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle bar & nightclub noise.