St. George, UT Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger distance
- 100 feet from the building
- What counts
- Bass rhythm alone is enough
- Scope
- Licensed public dance halls only
- Code section
- 3-2A-4(B)(3)
Summary
St. George treats audible bass rhythm beyond 100 feet from a licensed public dance hall as automatic proof of a noise violation.
Unnecessary loud playing, use or operation of any radio, musical instrument, band, audio equipment or other device for the production or reproduction of sound for dancing purposes shall be unlawful, and such musical sounds shall be considered unnecessarily loud if they can be heard distinctly more than one hundred feet (100') from the building or structure wherein the dance is operated. It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of the noise standard if all or any portion of the music sounds, such as the bass rhythm, can be heard distinctly outside the said distance limit.
4. It shall be unlawful for any person maintaining or having control of a public dance hall to allow or permit an intoxicated or disorderly person to enter, be upon, or remain within such hall. The licensee shall be required to provide adequate security personnel at all times the dance hall is open to the public, and such personnel shall be over the age of twenty-one (21) years and shall not have been convicted of an offense involving alcohol or moral turpitude during the period of such employment or within two (2) years prior to their employment. Persons employed as such security personnel shall either be private security officers licensed by the state or shall be approved by the chief of police. (Ord. 5-1-1990, 5-10-1990)
ARTICLE B. RESIDENTIAL SOLICITATION
3-2B-1: Purpose 3-2B-2: Definitions 3-2B-3: No Other City License Or Approval Required
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code section 3-2A-4(B)(3) makes it unlawful for a public dance hall to play music loud enough to be heard distinctly more than 100 feet from the building. The section singles out low-frequency content: if the bass rhythm alone carries past that line, that fact by itself is prima facie evidence of a violation, even if no other instrument or sound is audible. The rule applies only to licensed public dance halls, not to residences, bars generally, or outdoor events.
Violations & Fines
Prima facie noise violation if bass is audible past 100 feet; enforceable against the dance hall license holder, with license conditions tied to compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to bars or house parties in St. George?
Is there a citywide decibel limit for bass or subwoofers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
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