Moreno Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Moreno Valley, 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
- Park sound limit
- 60 decibels from all equipment
- Loudspeaker distance rule
- 50 feet, plainly audible standard
- Outdoor dining rule
- Not audible beyond the lot line
- Citywide misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 and 6 months jail
- Governing sections
- Sections 11.40.040(V) and 11.80.030(D)
Summary
Moreno Valley caps amplified sound at 60 decibels in city parks and bars stationary or handheld sound equipment anywhere in the city from creating a noise disturbance. Section 11.40.040(V) sets the park decibel limit, while Section 11.80.030(D) regulates radios, loudspeakers and amplifiers on private and public property citywide.
Amplified Sound in Parks. No person shall cause the amplification of sound within a park if the noise level caused thereby exceeds 60 decibels from all channels of equipment used, except pursuant to a permit issued by the director... Amplified sounds shall not exceed 60 decibels at a point 50 feet in front of the midpoint of a straight line between any two loudspeaker installations. ... No person shall operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, tape player, television, electronic audio equipment, musical instrument, sound amplifier or other mechanical or electronic sound making device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance. ... Portable, Hand-Held Music or Sound Amplification or Reproduction Equipment. Such equipment shall not be operated on a public right-of-way, public space or other publicly owned property in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4887234; v10 updated 2026-04-07).
Full Breakdown
040(V) bars amplifying sound if the noise level exceeds 60 decibels from all channels of equipment used, unless the parks director has issued a permit, and even then amplified sound cannot exceed 60 decibels measured at a point 50 feet in front of the midpoint of a line between any two loudspeaker installations. 80's noise ordinance regulates amplified sound by device rather than by location. 030(D)(2) makes it unlawful to operate a radio, tape player, television, electronic audio equipment, musical instrument or sound amplifier in a way that creates a noise disturbance, and subsection (D)(4) limits portable or hand-held music equipment on a public right-of-way, public space or other publicly owned property to a level that is not plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator.
Subsection (D)(5) further restricts loudspeakers and public address systems used for a commercial purpose, and bars any noncommercial loudspeaker use at night that creates a noise disturbance. 270(B)(6) requires that amplified sound from an outdoor dining area, such as music or a television, not be audible beyond the property's lot line. 040 exempts activity conducted under a valid temporary use or special event permit.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park amplified sound limit is an infraction under Section 11.40.100(B). Violating Chapter 11.80's citywide noise rules is a misdemeanor under Section 11.80.060, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, though the citing officer or city attorney may instead prosecute it as an infraction or a civil citation under Chapter 1.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can amplified music be in a Moreno Valley park?
Can I play music through a portable speaker on a Moreno Valley sidewalk?
What is the penalty for violating Moreno Valley's noise ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moreno Valley
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