Madera County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

Amplified music in unincorporated Madera County is governed by Section 9.58.020(E)(2) of the County Code. Subsection (a) (Uses Restricted) prohibits 'the use, operation or permitting to be played, used or operated, of any television set, radio, musical instrument or other device for amplification, production or reproduction of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or persons of normal sensitivity in the area,' and adds that 'the use of such devices is strictly prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if the sound creates a noise disturbance that crosses residential property lines.' Subsection (b) (Prima Facie Violations) provides an objective trigger: 'The operation of any device for the amplification, production or reproduction of sound in such a manner that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the source or the building structure, or vehicle in which it is located, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.' These provisions were strengthened through Ordinance Nos. 709 (March 18, 2025) and 709A (December 9, 2025). Enforcement under Section 9.58.040 specifically references serving the 'property owner and/or host of the event' with an administrative citation, indicating parties and events are a focus. The County code applies to unincorporated communities such as Bass Lake and Oakhurst; the cities of Madera and Chowchilla regulate amplified sound separately.