Carson, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Carson, 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
- Permit
- required for park amplification
- Audibility cap
- 50 feet from source
- Summer hours
- 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (DST)
- Winter hours
- 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Summary
Amplified music in a Carson city park needs a Recreation Department permit, must stay inaudible beyond 50 feet, and can only run 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter).
No person, firm, or corporation shall use or operate, or cause to be used or operated, in any public park owned or operated by the City of Carson, any device, apparatus or instrument for the amplification of music without first obtaining a permit from the Recreation and Community Services Department.
(b) Broadcast Standards. The broadcasting of amplified music in City parks shall comply with the following standards:
(1) The volume of sound shall be controlled so that it will not be audible for a distance in excess of fifty (50) feet from the source, and the volume of sound shall be so controlled that it will not be unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing, or a nuisance to persons within the area of audibility.
(2) The area where the music can be played and the direction of the speakers shall be as agreed upon by the permittee and Recreation and Community Services Department staff.
(3) Amplified music shall only broadcast between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. while daylight savings time is in effect, and between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. while standard time is in effect.
(c) Procedural Standards. Permits shall be issued according to the following procedural standards:
(1) Residents shall submit an application for a permit between ninety (90) days and ten (10) days in advance of the activity. Nonresidents shall submit an application for a permit between fourteen (14) days and ten (10) days in advance of the activity.
(2)
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code § 4139.1 requires a permit from the Recreation and Community Services Department before anyone amplifies music in a City park. Volume must be controlled so the sound isn't audible more than fifty feet from the source and isn't unreasonably loud, raucous, or a nuisance to nearby listeners. Broadcasting is limited to 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. during daylight saving time and 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on standard time. Permit location and speaker direction are set by agreement between the permittee and Department staff, and applications are processed on a first-come basis.
Violations & Fines
Operating amplification equipment in a park without a permit, or exceeding the 50-foot audibility or broadcast-hours limits, violates § 4139.1 and is enforced under the City's general Municipal Code penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to play amplified music in a Carson park?
How loud can amplified park music be in Carson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.