Amplified music rules in Billings, MT — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Billings has no separate amplified-music curfew, but loud amplified sound that disturbs a neighborhood is unlawful under the general prohibition, and radiating sound above the district decibel limits is prima facie a public nuisance. Special events over the limit require a city waiver.
Under Billings City Code Sec. 17-102, it is unlawful to willfully make loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood or annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. Amplified music that radiates from a property above the Table I limits (55 dB(A) residential at night, 65 dB(A) daytime) is prima facie evidence of a public nuisance (Sec. 17-103). Outdoor concerts or events that would exceed the limit or run past 8:00 p.m. must obtain a waiver from the city (Sec. 17-104(6),(8), Sec. 17-106). Unincorporated Yellowstone County sets no amplified-sound ordinance.
Amplified sound exceeding the limits without a waiver is a misdemeanor (Sec. 1-110); the source may also be abated summarily as a public nuisance by court injunction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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