Amplified music rules in Chino Hills, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Chino Hills Municipal Code Section 16.48.020 controls amplified sound through dBA limits plus a plainly-audible test: a stereo, loudspeaker, or amplifier audible 25 feet away in a residential zone (and accompanied by perceptible vibration) is prima facie evidence of a violation, at any time of day for amplifiers and 10 p.m.-7 a.m. for general sound devices.
The City of Chino Hills regulates amplified music under its development-code noise standard, Section 16.48.020. 'Sound amplifying equipment' is defined as any machine or device for amplifying the human voice, music, or other sound (excluding emergency warning devices). Amplified music must stay within the exterior dBA limits in Table 16.48-1, and those limits are reduced by 5 dBA for noises consisting of speech or music. In addition, Section 16.48.020(G) provides two prima facie tests: (1) operating any radio, musical instrument, television, loudspeaker, or sound amplifier between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so as to be plainly audible within a residential zone at 25 feet; and (2) operating any sound amplifier connected to a radio, stereo, or similar device at any time of day or night so as to be plainly audible at 25 feet in a residential zone AND causing a person to be aware of accompanying vibration at 25 feet. Occasional outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, and entertainment events conducted under a special event permit are exempt under Section 16.48.020(B). These are City of Chino Hills standards, separate from San Bernardino County and from the neighboring City of Chino.
Amplified-sound violations are enforced as violations of Section 16.48.020 through code enforcement and nuisance abatement, with the plainly-audible-at-25-feet tests serving as prima facie evidence. Penalties follow the general code-enforcement and infraction provisions of the Municipal Code.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
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