Yolo County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Yolo County, 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
- Daytime property-line cap
- 80 dBA Leq (6 a.m.-6 p.m.)
- Nighttime property-line cap
- 65 dBA Leq (6 p.m.-6 a.m.)
- Small special-event facility cutoff
- Minor Use Permit if noise after 10 p.m.
- Large special-event facility cutoff
- Major Use Permit if noise after 10 p.m.
- Authority
- Yolo County Code Sec. 8-2.306(k)
- State fallback
- Cal. Penal Code section 415(2)
Summary
Amplified music in unincorporated Yolo County is controlled mainly through the Zoning Code's general 80/65 dBA property-line limits and through Site Plan Review or Use Permit conditions on small and large special-event facilities, which require a higher-level permit when the project involves 'noise generating activities after 10 p.m.'
(4) Small special event facilities are allowed with the issuance of a Site Plan Review in the A-N and A-X agricultural zones and in the RR-5 residential zone. Small special event facilities are allowed with a Minor Use Permit in the A-R zone and in the RR-1 and R-L residential zones. Small special events facilities are allowed by right with building permits only in the A-C and A-I zones, provided that the project is designed to be compatible with any adjoining agricultural operations and single family residences. At the discretion of the Planning Director, a Minor Use Permit may be required for a small project if there are any agricultural, residential, vehicle access, traffic, or other compatibility issues, or if any of the development standards are not met. A Minor Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m. (5) Large special event facilities require the issuance of a Minor Use Permit in the A-N and A-X zones. At the discretion of the Planning Director, a Major Use Permit may be required for a large project if there are any agricultural, residential, vehicle access, traffic, or other compatibility issues, or if any of the development standards are not met. A Major Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m.
Full Breakdown
Yolo County does not have a dedicated amplified-music chapter. at the property line, and 60 dBA Leq at any nearby off-site residence. ' Conditions of approval on those permits typically include site-specific decibel limits, set times for amplified sound, and a requirement to face speakers away from neighboring residences. For residential-zone amplified music that disturbs neighbors, the Sheriff enforces California Penal Code section 415(2).
Violations & Fines
Operating a small or large special-event facility past 10 p.m. without the required higher-level Use Permit is a zoning violation subject to abatement, daily administrative penalties, and ultimate permit revocation. Property-line decibel exceedances are enforced by the Community Services Department under Title 8. State Penal Code section 415 violations can be charged as an infraction or misdemeanor (up to $400 / 90 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a winery in Capay Valley have amplified music after 10 p.m.?
What about a backyard party with amplified music at my Clarksburg home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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