Huntington Beach, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Huntington Beach, CA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Public entertainment cap
- 90 dBA, slow response
- Warning sign exception
- Posted hearing-impairment notice
- Overnight rule
- 5+ min audible 50 ft, 10p-7a barred
- Legal status
- Nuisance per se
- Enforcing agency
- Police Dept./Community Development
Summary
Huntington Beach caps amplified sound in places of public entertainment at 90 dBA measured on slow response at any customer area, unless the venue posts a conspicuous hearing-impairment warning sign at its entrance. Elsewhere, amplified radios, stereos and speakers that disturb the peace are separately banned outright.
Operate, play or permit the operation of any sound amplifying equipment in any place of public entertainment at a sound level greater than 90 dBA as read by the slow response on a sound level meter at any point that is normally occupied by customers, unless a conspicuous and legible sign is located immediately outside or near the public entrance stating, "Warning: Sound Levels Within May Cause Permanent Hearing Impairment." ... Use, operate, or permit to be operated any radio, receiving set or device, television set, musical instrument, phonograph, digital music player, CD, DVD, tape player, juke box, or other sound-amplifying device for producing or reproducing sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of other persons.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954605; v17 updated 2026-06-16).
Full Breakdown
if it is audible 50 feet or more from the source. 112(G) further prohibits amplified bells, chimes, sirens, whistles, horns or similar signaling devices for non-emergency purposes that cause a noise disturbance across a property line, exempting devices used by schools and places of worship. 120 assigns enforcement to the Director of Community Development or the Police Chief.
Violations & Fines
Amplified sound above 90 dBA in a public entertainment venue without the required warning sign, or any amplified device audible for more than five minutes overnight (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) from 50 feet away, is a nuisance per se under Section 8.40.112(K), enforced by the Police Department or Community Development Director, whose staff may arrest without a warrant for a violation in their presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit on amplified music at Huntington Beach venues?
Can I play music loudly at home late at night?
Are church bells or school bells exempt from the amplified-sound rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Huntington Beach to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.