Amplified music rules in Santa Cruz County, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Santa Cruz County does not require a stand-alone amplified-sound permit countywide, but amplified music is enforced under SCCC § 8.30.010 as 'offensive noise' - automatically offensive at 75 dB or 150 ft of audibility by day, and 60 dB or 100 ft of audibility by night. Special-event amplified sound is allowed only 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. per SCCC § 13.15.040(C).
SCCC § 8.30.010(B) defines 'offensive noise' to include noise made by 'any appliance, contrivance, device, tool, structure, construction, vehicle, ride, machine, implement, or instrument' - language broad enough to cover amplified music, stereos, PAs, and outdoor loudspeakers. The daytime automatic-offensive triggers (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) are 75 dB at the property line or being 'clearly discernible' 150 feet away; the nighttime triggers (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.) are 60 dB or audibility at 100 feet. SCCC § 13.15.040(C) exempts 'reasonable sounds emanating from authorized school bands, school athletic and school entertainment events, and occasional noncommercial private outdoor or indoor gatherings and community events' only when 'conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or the applicable permitted timeframe' and in compliance with Chapter 8.30. Special-event permits and amplified-sound permits may impose additional conditions per Policy 9.3.4 of the General Plan Noise Element.
Same warning-then-citation procedure as the general noise ordinance (§ 8.30.010(D)). Continued amplified-music violation after warning is an infraction citation; repeat within 48 hours of citation is a misdemeanor (§ 8.30.020).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Santa Cruz County's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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