Berkeley, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Berkeley, CA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Outdoor amplified sound at an event
- Application deadline
- 30 days before the event
- Public-property hours
- 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Private-property daily cap
- 4 hours per 24 hours
- Private-property decibel ceiling
- 65 dBA at residential exterior
Summary
Outdoor amplified music or speech in Berkeley needs an Environmental Health Division permit, capped at 65 dBA at the exterior of any residence and generally limited to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Private-property use also maxes out at four hours in any 24-hour period.
A. Applications. Any person(s) or organization(s) wishing to use amplified sound outdoors for an event must obtain a permit for the amplified sound from the EHD. ... B.2. Sound amplification equipment on private property shall not be utilized in any location for a period in excess of 4 hours in any 24-hour period; 3. Sound amplifying equipment when associated with an approved event permit shall be used upon public property for the duration of the event and only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ... 5.(a) The sound emanating from sound amplifying equipment on private property shall not exceed 15 dBA above the ambient noise level measured at the exterior of any dwelling unit located on any residential property; and in no case to exceed 65 dBA at the exterior of any such building.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 8031-NS, passed July 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
100 requires anyone using outdoor amplified sound for an event to get a permit from the Environmental Health Division (EHD), applied for at least 30 days ahead. The EHD may deny a permit if a location already had seven or more permits that calendar year, or another permit within 30 days of the requested date. , and sets a decibel ceiling: no more than 15 dBA above ambient at a residential exterior, and never exceeding 65 dBA at that exterior on private property, or 15 dBA above ambient measured 50 feet away on public property.
Speakers must be directed away from residential property where feasible. A Noise Control Officer may summarily terminate a permit after a warning if the event violates its conditions. 060, and requires five days' advance notice to residents within 50 feet for prolonged or disturbing indoor amplification. 070(B)(2).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a required permit, or violating any permit condition, is a chargeable violation of the chapter: Section 13.40.100(E) states a violation of any permit condition is a violation of the chapter, and Section 13.40.030(B) allows any Chapter 13.40 violation to be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction under BMC Chapter 1.20. Unpermitted amplified sound under Section 13.40.070(B)(2) requires both an NCO warning and a measurement before it is chargeable, per the procedure table in Section 13.40.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard party speaker in Berkeley?
How loud can a permitted outdoor event get?
How far ahead must I apply for an amplified sound permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.