Santa Cruz County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

The County General Plan lists 'amplified sound' (home and personal audio, outdoor loudspeakers, and amplified sound at music or theatrical performances) among the noise sources regulated by the County. Amplified music is governed by the Chapter 8.30 offensive-noise standard, which the General Plan notes treats music as 'potentially more detectable and annoying' than other sounds of the same level. The same thresholds apply: during 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., music is automatically offensive if clearly discernible 150 feet beyond the property line or above 75 dB; during 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., it is offensive if within 100 feet of a building used for sleeping, discernible 100 feet away, or above 60 dB. SCCC 13.15.040(C) provides a narrow exemption for reasonable sounds from authorized school events and 'occasional noncommercial private outdoor or indoor gatherings and community events,' but only when conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or the permitted timeframe) and in compliance with Chapter 8.30. The General Plan further allows decision-makers to attach conditions to a Special Event Permit or amplified-sound permit that limit the maximum noise level, duration, timing, operating hours, frequency, and location of noise-generating activity.