Bozeman, MT Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Bozeman, MT, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Standard
- Disturbs quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person
- Fixed music decibel cap
- None printed
- Enforced by
- Chief of police and director of community development
- First offense
- Fine up to $500.00 or six months jail
- Fifth offense within one year
- $500.00 fine, up to six months jail
- Outdoor event hours, no permit
- 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Oct. 1 to Mar. 30; to 10:00 p.m. Apr. 1 to Sept. 30
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, it is unlawful to use a radio, boombox, musical instrument or any sound-producing device in a way that disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of a normally sensitive and reasonable person. Loudspeakers and public address systems in a public right-of-way face the same test.
A.It is unlawful to perform any of the following acts anywhere within the city's jurisdictional limits: 1.Sound amplifying equipment. Except as authorized in section 16.06.070.A.5, using operating or permitting the use of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, "boombox," CD Player, radio, television, phonograph or other machine or device for the production or reproduction of sound in such a manner as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person. ... 5.Loudspeakers, amplifiers, public address systems. Except as authorized in section 16.06.070.A.5, the use or operation of any loudspeaker, amplifier, public address system or any similar instrument or equipment whose purpose is to amplify or make sound louder in a fixed or movable position or mounted upon any sound truck for the purpose of giving instructions, directions, talks, addresses, lectures, or transmitting music to any person or assemblages, in or on any public right-of-way within city areas in such a manner as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person.
Full Breakdown
Bozeman Municipal Code § 16.06.050.A makes it unlawful, anywhere within the city's jurisdictional limits, to use, operate or permit the use of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, "boombox," CD Player, radio, television, phonograph or other machine or device for the production or reproduction of sound in such a manner as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person (A.1). Item A.5 separately covers loudspeakers, amplifiers, public address systems and similar equipment, in a fixed or movable position or mounted upon a sound truck, used to give instructions, talks, addresses or lectures or to transmit music in or on any public right-of-way within city areas in a way that disturbs that same reasonable person.
The code prints no fixed decibel limit for amplified music. The test is disturbance to a normally sensitive and reasonable person. Decibel measurement appears elsewhere in the article: levels are measured with the A-scale of an OSHA approved standards sound level meter at slow response, and the 60dB(A) figure applies to construction operations between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at the property line of an adjacent property (§ 16.06.090.C). Noise above 60dB(A) measured by trained and qualified city employees on a complainant's property is prima facie evidence of a violation of that construction section (§ 16.06.100.D).
Section 16.06.070 supplies time windows for outdoor events. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, sporting events and similar outdoor events are authorized when the parties obtain any permits required by chapter 34, article 8. If no permit is required, they are authorized between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from October 1 through March 30 and between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30. That subsection lists activities that stay subject to § 16.06.050 while exempt from the residential-area list in § 16.06.060.
Two carve-outs matter for sound equipment. Activities on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds, conducted in accordance with the way those spaces are used, are excepted through the cross-reference to § 16.06.070.A.5, and § 16.06.080 exempts emergency work.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement belongs to the chief of police and the director of community development or their designees, who can seek voluntary compliance by warning, notice or education. A first offense is punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or six months in the county jail or both. A second offense within one year of the first conviction carries a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00. A third carries a minimum of $200.00, a fourth a minimum of $350.00, and a fifth a fine of $500.00, each with up to six months in the county jail (§ 16.06.100.B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for music in Bozeman?
Can I use a loudspeaker or PA system outdoors?
What hours apply to outdoor events?
What are the penalties for repeat violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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