West Palm Beach, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Most noise codes measure loudness with the A-weighted decibel scale, but West Palm Beach's ordinance recognizes that bass-heavy sound needs its own test. Section 34-35 defines dB(A) as the scale that approximates human hearing for low to moderate sounds without an amplified low frequency component, and separately defines dB(C) as the C-weighted scale that is more sensitive to low frequencies than the A weighting network. Because a thumping bass line can be plainly audible without registering as loud on the A scale, § 34-35's definition of plainly audible says a code enforcement officer can confirm a violation from a portable or vehicular sound system just by detecting rhythmic bass or verbal cadence, without identifying the specific song, title or artist.

Section 34-36(a)(1) folds low frequency directly into the city's multi-factor test for a noise disturbance: officers may weigh whether the sound emissions are of such intensity or low frequency as to cause perceptible vibration within the dwelling or place of business of the affected person, alongside volume, time of day, duration and whether the noise trespasses across a property line. In the city's special entertainment districts, the numeric caps in § 34-37 are set in both scales for exactly this reason: sound in the Clematis Waterfront District Conservation District and CityPlace District may not exceed 85 dBA or 95 dBC, and in the rest of the Downtown Master Plan area the cap is 65 dBA or 75 dBC, measured ten feet from the source.

The higher dBC ceiling captures the bass and sub-bass energy that the A-weighted number alone would understate. Complaints are investigated and cited by noise control officers under § 34-44, and a first violation draws a written warning with 15 minutes to comply before a notice of violation and fine follow under § 34-45.