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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Burbank, 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

Code Section
BMC 9-3-213; 9-3-213.5; 9-3-215 to 9-3-221
Prima facie limit
Ambient + 5 dB
Park amplification
Audible 75 ft = violation (9-3-213.5)
Sound trucks
Registration required (9-3-216)

Summary

BMC 9-3-213 makes it unlawful to operate any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television, or sound-producing device so as to disturb neighboring residents, with any noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 decibels treated as prima facie evidence of a violation.

A. Disturbing Residents: No person shall use or operate any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. B. Prima Facie Violation: Any noise causing the ambient noise level to be exceeded by more than five (5) decibels shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. Noise measurements shall be taken within any adjoining apartment if the radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set or other machine or device is in an apartment house, condominium or other multiple dwelling.

Source: Burbank Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 3 - Environmental Protection (Noise Regulations)View official code

Full Breakdown

' Subsection (B) makes any noise causing the ambient noise level to be exceeded by more than five (5) decibels 'prima facie evidence of a violation,' and for multi-family buildings the measurement is taken inside an adjoining unit. 5, governs amplified sound in and adjacent to City parks: outdoor sound amplification audible 75 feet or more away from the park boundary (or the source, in an adjacent right-of-way) is prima facie a violation unless a park permit expressly authorizes it. True public-address/sound-truck amplification on public streets is separately regulated under Division 3 (Sections 9-3-215 through 9-3-221), which requires registration with the Community Development Department before sound-amplifying equipment may be operated on a sound truck.

Violations & Fines

Disturbances are abatable public nuisances under BMC 9-3-205, enforceable by the City Attorney under 9-3-206; sound-truck operation without the required registration violates BMC 9-3-216.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can my stereo be before it violates the Burbank code?
Under BMC 9-3-213(B), any noise that raises the ambient noise level by more than 5 decibels is prima facie evidence of a violation; in apartments the reading is taken inside an adjoining unit.
Can I use a PA system or amplifier in a Burbank park?
Only with a park permit. BMC 9-3-213.5 makes outdoor amplified sound audible 75 feet or more from the park boundary a prima facie violation unless a park permit or City approval expressly allows it.

Sources & Official References

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