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

Highland measures amplified sound by distance and audibility, not by decibels. Section 8.50.030(A)(4) of the Highland Municipal Code makes it unlawful to operate or permit personal or commercial music or sound amplification or production equipment that is plainly audible in any of four ways: across property boundaries; through partitions common to two residences within a building; at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the source between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; or at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the source between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The rule covers personal and commercial equipment alike.

"Plainly audible" is defined in § 8.50.020 as any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties, and the officer does not have to identify a song, words or artist. The shorter nighttime distance means a backyard speaker that passes at 50 feet in the afternoon can violate the code after 10:00 p.m. in the City of Highland.

Chapter 8.50 carves out some events. Under § 8.50.060(C), outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and sporting and entertainment events are exempt when the city has authorized them, and § 8.50.060(D) exempts legally permitted activities conducted at public places during regular hours of operation. Loud, unruly or disorderly private parties are handled under Chapter 9.17 HMC (§ 8.50.060(N)).

The process begins with notice. An enforcement officer who finds a violation can issue a written notice demanding immediate abatement, and the notice must warn that a second violation of the same provision within a 72-hour period can bring a criminal citation or notice of public nuisance, penalties, and confiscation of the components amplifying the sound (§ 8.50.030(D)). Any person claiming ownership of confiscated items can file a written request with the police department within seven calendar days. The city manager, chief of police and their designees administer the chapter (§ 8.50.070).