Amplified music rules in Des Plaines, IL — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Des Plaines City Code 6-2-7(F) makes it unlawful to operate any sound-production or amplification device whose sound crosses a property line and raises total sound on another property above the neighborhood residual level by more than 3 dBC during quiet hours or 6 dBC at all other times, measured inside a complainant's residence.
Des Plaines regulates amplified music and PA systems with a dedicated standard separate from its general dBA limits. City Code Section 6-2-7(F) ('Definition And Measurement Of Excessive Noise From Amplified Sound') prohibits any person from causing or permitting 'any sound production or amplification device to emit sound that crosses a property line and raises the total sound levels on another property above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than: 1) three (3) dBC during quiet hours or 2) six (6) dBC during all other times measured from a location within the residence of a complainant.' These readings use C-weighting and 'fast' response per ANSI specifications, capturing the bass/low-frequency energy typical of stereos, subwoofers, and live amplified music. This amplified-sound limit applies 'in addition to the other prohibitions on excessive noise set forth in this section,' so amplified music can also be cited under the general dBA thresholds in 6-2-7(E). Quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM weeknights; 11 PM-10 AM before weekends/holidays) trigger the tighter 3 dBC standard.
Violators are fined under the general penalty in City Code Title 1, Chapter 4, for each offense (6-2-7(G)).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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