Mountain View, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

City Code Sec. 17 bars using a radio, phonograph, loud-speaker, sound amplifier, or other device to produce sound cast upon Mountain View's public streets for commercial advertising or to attract attention to a building, except in two narrow situations. m. Monday through Saturday, never on Sunday, with the device kept at least 100 yards from any hospital or public library and its sound inaudible beyond 150 feet. Outside that window, anyone wanting to run a sound device must obtain a sound amplification permit from the community services department, filing at least 10 business days ahead for a routine event or 90 days ahead if the request involves closing a public or private street, sidewalk, or parking lot, which additionally requires city council approval.

The application must list the applicant's name and address, the device's location and purpose, proposed hours and number of days of use, a description of the device, and its placement, plus a nonrefundable application fee set by council resolution. A permit issues only if the approving body finds the use will not become a nuisance or threaten public peace, comfort, safety, or welfare, and the permit holder must keep it on hand and show it to any police officer on request. Sec. 18 then caps any permitted use to music or human speech that is not profane, lewd, indecent, or slanderous, held to the same 100-yard hospital and library buffer and 150-foot audibility ceiling.