Brentwood, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

020 defines "sound amplifying equipment" as any machine or device for amplifying the human voice, music or other sound regardless of location, excluding emergency vehicle sirens and traffic warning horns. 080 requires anyone planning such an activity of short duration to obtain a temporary use permit from the community development department before proceeding without violating the noise standards. In deciding whether to grant a permit, the city considers the distance of the activity from residential or noise-sensitive zones, the number and sound-level capability of amplification devices, their anticipated direction, the duration and time of day/week of the activity, whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, and requires the proposed activity plan be submitted to the police department for review and approval.

An issued permit must specify the place, duration and any site-specific restrictions, must be displayed and available for inspection by police or code enforcement on request, and must be surrendered on request if its restrictions are violated. A resident complaint or a past history of surrendering a permit can be grounds to deny a reapplication. A single permit can cover up to four occasions of activity within a six-week period, but no more. 070(G) makes clear they remain subject to the underlying noise standards. 880 of the municipal code.