Iron County, UT Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Iron County, UT, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Iron County Code § 8.20.060(B), (D)(1)
- Nighttime threshold
- Audible at 20 ft, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Prior notice required
- No, per § 8.20.060(G)
- Max administrative fine
- $200 per week
- Max criminal penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail
- Appeal window
- 30 days to county hearing officer
Summary
In unincorporated Iron County, running a stereo, speaker, or amplifier loud enough to disturb a neighbor's peace is a nuisance under County Code Section 8.20.060(B). Operating any sound device so it is plainly audible 20 feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is prima facie evidence of a violation, letting the sheriff's office cite the responsible person on the spot.
B.Prohibitions on Use or Operation of Sound Generating Machines or Devices in Residential Areas. The reckless use or operation of any sound production or reproduction device, radio receiving set, musical instrument, drums, phonograph, stereo, television set, compact disc player, video recorder/player, loud speaker(s), or other similar machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, slumber, or comfort of any reasonable person of normal sensitivity in any residential area of the county or in close proximity thereof is prohibited. ... D.Prima Facie Evidence of Violations. Any of the following shall constitute prima facie evidence of a violation of this section:1.The operation of any such sound production or reproduction device, radio receiving set, musical instrument, drum set, phonograph, stereo, compact disc player, video recorder/player, loud speaker(s), or similar machines or devices between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of twenty feet from the building structure or vehicle in which it is located.
Full Breakdown
Iron County Code Section 8.20.060(B) bars the reckless use of a stereo, radio, musical instrument, drum set, compact disc player, video player, or loudspeaker in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, slumber, or comfort of a reasonable person in a residential area. Subsection D(1) turns that general standard into a bright line: playing such a device between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. so it is plainly audible 20 feet from the building or vehicle housing it is prima facie evidence of a violation, so the county does not have to prove disturbance beyond the distance and time reading.
Subsection C lists nine factors a hearing officer weighs when the prima facie clock does not apply, including noise level, ambient conditions, proximity to sleeping areas, zoning, and duration. Subsection E exempts government and emergency vehicles, permitted parades, county-sponsored school events, and activities under a county permit. Under subsection G, because noise abatement is time sensitive, the enforcement officer need not first serve a notice to abate before issuing a citation. Relief from the restriction can be requested from the Iron County board of county commissioners under subsection F.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is typically handled as a nuisance under Chapter 8.20: an administrative citation carries a fine of up to $200 per week the noise continues past the correction deadline (Section 8.20.160(B)). Criminal violations of Section 8.20.130 are a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail, with each day a separate offense. Citations may be appealed to the county hearing officer within 30 days by filing at the sheriff's department or building and zoning department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an amplified music violation in unincorporated Iron County?
Does a deputy have to warn me before citing me for loud music?
Who enforces the amplified music rule outside city limits in Iron County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Iron County
Compare Iron County to another location·View the Utah noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.