Shasta County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Shasta County, 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
- Stand-alone amplified-music ordinance
- None found
- Music/speech adjustment
- Standard lowered 5 dB for speech or music
- Effective night limit for music
- 45 dB hourly Leq (50 dB base minus 5)
- Effective day limit for music
- 50 dB hourly Leq (55 dB base minus 5)
- Disturbance enforcement
- Sheriff 530-245-6540 (Penal Code 415)
Summary
Unincorporated Shasta County has no stand-alone amplified-music ordinance. Amplified sound is regulated through the General Plan exterior noise standards, which are lowered 5 dB for music and speech; disturbances are enforced by the Sheriff under California law and the County nuisance code.
Any person who maliciously and willfully disturbs another person by loud and unreasonable noise [is guilty of disturbing the peace and] shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 90 days, a fine of not more than four hundred dollars ($400), or both such imprisonment and fine.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The County of Shasta (California) does not have a separate amplified-sound permit ordinance the way many cities do. ) at the property line of a noise-sensitive use. Importantly for music, those limits are lowered by 5 dB for noises consisting primarily of speech or music, for simple tone noises, or for recurring impulsive noises, reflecting how intrusive amplified content is - so amplified music is effectively held to 50 dB daytime and 45 dB at night at a receiving residence. For everyday loud-music complaints, the County directs residents to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line (530-245-6540), enforced under California Penal Code Section 415, which prohibits maliciously and willfully disturbing others with loud and unreasonable noise. 28. Larger organized events may require land-use approval, and any conditions of approval can further limit amplified sound.
Violations & Fines
Loud-music disturbances are enforced by the Sheriff under California Penal Code Section 415. Amplified music that exceeds the General Plan standards or violates a project's conditions can be pursued as a nuisance under County Code Chapter 8.28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for amplified music in unincorporated Shasta County?
How are loud-music complaints handled?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shasta County
California rules heatmap·Compare Shasta County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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