Albany, OR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Albany, OR, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Albany Municipal Code § 7.08.050(1)(i), (m)
- Closed-dwelling test
- Plainly audible inside another dwelling, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Distance test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet from the source
- First offense
- Warning, in writing or orally
- Event permit
- Issued through subsection (2) by City Manager or designee
- Maximum misdemeanor penalty
- Fine up to $2,500 or up to one year
Summary
In the City of Albany, Oregon, AMC § 7.08.050(1)(m) bars amplified sound that is plainly audible inside a closed dwelling unit from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., or plainly audible at 50 feet from its source. Paragraph (1)(i) separately bars amplified sound loud enough to disturb persons nearby.
(i) The use or operation of any automatic or electric piano, phonograph, radio, loudspeaker, or any sound amplifying device so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof or in such manner as renders the same a public nuisance, unless otherwise permitted through subsection (2) of this sec-tion; ... (m) Playing, using, or operating any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, tape recorder, loudspeaker, or other machine or device for the producing, reproducing, or amplification of sound in such a manner as to be plainly audible: (i) Within any closed dwelling unit which is not the source of the sound, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; or (ii) At a distance of 50 feet from the source of the sound. ... (B) This section does not prohibit the reasonable use of mechanical loudspeakers or sound amplifiers in the course of public events for which a permit has been issued through subsection (2) of this section. (C) Upon first offense, location shall be issued a warning, either in writing or orally;
Full Breakdown
Amplified music in the City of Albany, Oregon, is governed by two paragraphs of the unnecessary noise section, AMC § 7.08.050. Paragraph (1)(i) bars the use or operation of any automatic or electric piano, phonograph, radio, loudspeaker, or any sound amplifying device so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity or in such manner as renders it a public nuisance, unless permitted under subsection (2).
Paragraph (1)(m) is the measurable test. It covers playing or operating any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, tape recorder, loudspeaker, or other device for producing, reproducing, or amplifying sound in such a manner as to be plainly audible in either of two settings. Under (m)(i), the sound cannot be plainly audible within any closed dwelling unit that is not the source, between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Under (m)(ii), it cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source. No hours are printed in (m)(ii), so the 50 foot test is the same at noon as at midnight.
Subparagraph (A) defines plainly audible as any sound for which the information content is unambiguously communicated to the listener, such as understandable spoken speech, comprehension of whether a voice is raised or normal, or comprehensible musical rhythm or vocal sounds. The test turns on what a listener can make out, not on a decibel meter. Subparagraph (B) preserves the reasonable use of mechanical loudspeakers or sound amplifiers at public events for which a permit has been issued under subsection (2). Subparagraph (C) requires a warning, in writing or orally, to the location on the first offense.
Paragraph (1)(o) requires a permit before using a mechanical loudspeaker, sound truck, or other sound-amplifying device to entertain or to attract people to a play, festival, picnic, or other event.
Section 7.08.052 covers sound amplifying paging systems separately: allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at no more than 65 decibels at the property line, and unlawful if plainly audible from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Section 7.08.050 prints no penalty of its own, so AMC § 1.04.010(1)(c) applies: an offense with no penalty provided is deemed a misdemeanor, with a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both. Under § 1.04.020 the City Attorney declares whether the case proceeds as a violation, carrying a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. The first offense under paragraph (m) draws a warning to the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can music be at a home in the City of Albany, Oregon?
What does plainly audible mean in Albany?
Do I get a warning before being cited?
Can I hold an event with a sound system?
Do the same limits apply to a store paging system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
Compare Albany to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.