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

CVMC 17.24.040(C)(1) declares it a public nuisance to use, operate or permit the playing of "any radio receiving set, musical instrument, drums, phonograph, television set, loudspeakers and sound amplifier, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in a manner that disturbs the peace, comfort or quiet enjoyment of any reasonable person of normal sensitivity in the vicinity." This is a standalone, round-the-clock prohibition, it doesn't depend on the time of day, only on whether the sound disturbs a reasonable neighbor.

The code reinforces the standard with an evidentiary shortcut in 17.24.040(D)(2): any sound amplifier connected to a radio, stereo, CD or cassette player that is "plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet" or causes a person to feel accompanying vibration at that distance is prima facie evidence of a violation, at any time of day, not just at night. The factors that inform whether amplified sound crosses the line into a violation, set out in 17.24.040(B), include the noise's intensity, whether it's usual or unusual for the area, its proximity to sleeping facilities, the zoning of the source and receiving areas, time of day, duration, and whether it's recurring or constant.

Enforcement officers may confiscate and impound the amplifying components themselves as evidence under 17.24.050(A), and a peace officer may impound a vehicle carrying non-removable amplification equipment under 17.24.050(B) per Vehicle Code § 22655.5.