Gilroy, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Gilroy does not set a decibel ceiling for amplified sound; instead Chapter 13A controls it through the same permit system that covers parades and public assemblies. Section 13A.1 makes it unlawful to use a sound-amplifying system of any kind on a street, alley, park, or other public or private ground in the city without a police department permit, carried by whoever is running the equipment, with fees set by council resolution.

Two exceptions matter most for everyday noise complaints. First, a sound-amplifying system used entirely on private property needs no permit as long as the sound produced does not carry beyond the property line so as to disturb people on adjoining property (§ 13A.2(4)). Second, radios and other amplifying systems are exempt wherever they are used, so long as the volume never exceeds the volume of normal conversational speech (§ 13A.2(5)). Funeral processions, government agencies, school-supervised activities and meetings or assemblies held in residentially zoned areas are separately exempt from the whole chapter (§ 13A.2).

Anyone applying for a permit to use amplified sound must file with the police department 30 to 60 days ahead, and the department can deny the permit if the amplified activity would unduly burden nearby schools, hospitals, churches, businesses or residents, or is likely to provoke a disturbance (§ 13A.4).