Merced County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

Amplified sound in unincorporated Merced County is regulated under Chapter 10.60 of the County Code. Section 10.60.040 makes it unlawful to operate, play, or permit the operation or playing of any stereo, radio, television, phonograph, or similar device that reproduces or amplifies sound 'in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance for any person other than the operator of the device.' This personal-audio rule applies at all hours and is judged by whether the sound disturbs others, not by a fixed decibel reading. A separate provision in the same section addresses fixed amplified systems: it is unlawful to use or operate any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day such that the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line. Together these rules cover home stereos, parties, and outdoor speaker setups. Backing them up are the chapter's general standards in Section 10.60.030, which treat sound exceeding the background level by 10 dBA (day) or 5 dBA (night) as a violation. Public park, playground, and school activities, plus county-sponsored or county-approved events, are exempt under Section 10.60.050. Enforcement is through Chapter 1.28's penalty provisions.