Amplified music rules in Placer County, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music in unincorporated Placer County is regulated under Placer County Code Article 9.36. As 'simple tone' speech/music it must meet Table 1 limits reduced by 5 dB - effectively 50 dB Leq daytime and 40 dB Leq nighttime at a sensitive receptor's property line - unless an exception is granted.
In unincorporated Placer County, amplified music falls squarely under the noise ordinance. Placer County Code 9.36.020 defines 'simple tone noise' to include sound consisting of speech and music, and 9.36.060(B) requires the Table 1 sound limits to be reduced by an additional 5 dB for such simple-tone noise (but never below ambient + 5 dB). Applied to Table 1, that yields roughly 50 dB hourly Leq daytime and 40 dB hourly Leq nighttime, with maximum levels of 65 dB day / 60 dB night, measured at the property line of a sensitive receptor. Amplified music from a fixed source - a home, bar or venue - is a 'fixed sound source' under 9.36.020 and is fully subject to these limits. There is no blanket exemption for parties or backyard music. Hosts of special events that cannot meet the limits may apply for a special-event exception under 9.36.080(C), which requires notice to affected neighbors and consideration of duration, time of day and hardship.
Amplified music exceeding the reduced simple-tone limits is an infraction under 9.36.090, with fines of $100/$200/$500 (9.36.110) and each day a separate offense. The Placer County Sheriff is a designated enforcement officer and responds to complaints in unincorporated areas.
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