Amplified music rules in Caldwell, ID — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Caldwell controls amplified music through its public noise rule. Under City Code 07-13-03, loud or offensive noise from radios, loudspeakers, and sound-amplifying equipment that is plainly audible 150 feet from the source is unlawful between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Permitted city events downtown may run until 1:00 a.m. on Friday/Saturday.
Amplified music in Caldwell is regulated under Title 7, Article 13 (Public Noise Disturbance). Section 07-13-03 expressly lists 'radio, loudspeaker... or other sound amplifying equipment' among the sources of loud or offensive noise that are unlawful between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when they disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of a reasonable person. The test is the 'plainly audible' standard: amplified sound that can be clearly heard 150 feet or more from its source (within a residence, business, hospital, farm with animals, or restaurant) is the trigger, rather than a decibel reading. Caldwell builds in flexibility for downtown nightlife and city events: city-sponsored events at Caldwell Memorial Park, the downtown core area, and the Caldwell Event Center and Caldwell Entertainment Center areas may exceed the 11:00 p.m. cutoff and continue loud noise until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and/or Saturdays only. Section 07-13-05 also exempts sound from permitted events (such as parades and fireworks within the hours set by the permit) and from devices approved within a zoning designation. Amplified music in a vehicle is handled separately under Section 07-13-04. Unreasonable amplified noise at any hour can also be charged as disorderly conduct under Section 08-01-27.
Amplified music plainly audible 150 feet from its source between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. violates Section 07-13-03 and can be abated under Section 07-11-05, where a continuing noticed nuisance is a misdemeanor with each day a separate offense. Outside quiet hours, unreasonable amplified noise can be charged as disorderly conduct under Section 08-01-27, a misdemeanor punishable up to the Idaho Code 50-302 maximums. Downtown/event exceptions apply only to qualifying city-sponsored events.
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