McHenry County, IL Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in McHenry County, IL, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Audibility trigger
- 100 feet from lot line
- Vehicle audio
- 100 feet from source vehicle
- Covers
- Live music, stereos, amplifiers
- Time limit
- Applies at all hours
- Woodstock outdoor music
- Barred after 10:00 p.m.
Summary
In unincorporated McHenry County it is a public nuisance to emit noise from live musical performances, stereos, car stereos, or sound amplification systems that can be heard 100 feet or more from the source's lot line or 100 feet or more from the source vehicle.
It is a public nuisance to emanate noise from live musical performances, stereos, car stereos, or sound amplification systems which can be heard from a distance of 100 feet or more from the lot line of the source of the noise or 100 feet or more from the source vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The county's Nuisance Noise Ordinance singles out amplified and live music. Sound from musical performances, home stereos, car stereos, or amplification systems is a public nuisance whenever it carries 100 feet or more from the lot line, or 100 feet or more from the vehicle producing it, regardless of the time of day. Unlike the general nuisance standard, no showing of prolonged or raucous character is required, only the 100-foot audibility. Incorporated cities add time windows: Woodstock bars outdoor musical performances, amplified or not, from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday).
Violations & Fines
Public-nuisance fine: $100 first offense, $100 to $1,000 for later offenses, each day separate; injunctive relief available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car stereo covered?
Does daytime music get a pass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.