Daly City, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Daly City, 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 issuer
- Chief of police
- Applies to
- Any sound projected outdoors citywide
- Permit contents
- Name, purpose, time, place, end date
- Nighttime limit
- No audible sound off-property 10pm-6am
Summary
Municipal Code Section 9.22.020 requires a written permit from the chief of police before operating any loudspeaker or sound amplifier that projects sound outside a building or outdoors anywhere in Daly City, at any hour.
Section 9.22.020 states that no person shall maintain, operate, or conduct any loudspeaker or amplifier in such a manner as to cause the sound to be projected outside any building or out of doors in any part of the City without first obtaining a permit to do so.
Full Breakdown
Daly City Municipal Code Section 9.22.020 (Loudspeakers and sound amplifiers--Permit required when) makes it unlawful to maintain, operate, conduct, or permit any loudspeaker or sound amplifier in a manner that causes sound to be projected outside any building or out-of-doors in any part of the city without first procuring a permit from the chief of police. The permit must be in writing and state the name and address of the permittee, the authorized purpose, the time and place the loudspeaker or amplifier may be used, and a termination date. Amplified sound at night is further constrained by Section 9.22.030, which bars any noise or music audible beyond the property between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and loud parties involving underage drinking can trigger civil fines under Chapter 9.23.
Violations & Fines
Operating outdoor amplified sound without a police-issued permit violates Section 9.22.020 and is enforceable by the Daly City Police Department as disturbing the peace; nighttime amplified sound audible off-property also violates Section 9.22.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for outdoor speakers at an event in Daly City?
Can I play amplified music in my backyard at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.