Los Angeles, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Los Angeles, 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
- Residential audibility limit
- 150 feet from property line
- Neighbor impact limit
- +5 dB above ambient at adjoining property
- Scope
- Radios, musical instruments, phonographs, TV receivers
- Applies in
- All zones citywide
- Auto radio exemption
- Only if heard solely by occupants inside the vehicle
- Enforcement body
- LAPD
Summary
Playing music or operating radios so that sound is audible beyond 150 feet from the property line in or within 500 feet of a residential zone is unlawful. Music that exceeds a neighbor's ambient noise level by more than 5 dB is also a violation, regardless of zone.
SEC. 112.01. RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES. (Amended by Ord. No. 156,363, Eff. 3/29/82.)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person within any zone of the City to use or operate any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television receiver, or other machine or device for the producing, reproducing or amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound, in such a manner, as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighbor occupants or any reasonable person residing or working in the area.
(b) Any noise level caused by such use or operation which is audible to the human ear at a distance in excess of 150 feet from the property line of the noise source, within any residential zone of the City or within 500 feet thereof, shall be a violation of the provisions of this section.
(c) Any noise level caused by such use or operation which exceeds the ambient noise level on the premises of any other occupied property, or if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within any adjoining unit, by more than five (5) decibels shall be a violation of the provisions of this section.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 112.01 applies to radios, musical instruments, phonographs, television receivers, and any sound-reproducing or amplifying device. Two independent violation standards exist: (1) audibility beyond 150 feet from the property line within or within 500 feet of any residential zone; and (2) exceeding the ambient noise level by more than 5 dB at any neighboring occupied property or adjoining condo/apartment unit in any zone. Automobile radios heard only by vehicle occupants and residential radios used inside homes in residential zones are excluded from the definition of 'sound amplifying equipment' and are not covered by the § 115.02 amplification rules, but remain subject to § 112.01 if they disturb neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Violation of § 112.01 is a misdemeanor under LAMC § 11.00; enforced by LAPD per § 111.05(b). Nuisance injunction also available under § 111.04.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can outdoor music legally carry in a residential neighborhood?
Does the 150-foot rule apply to music played in a backyard?
What if my music doesn't carry 150 feet but my neighbor still complains?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.