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

Section 10-16 of the Novato Municipal Code bars any system for amplifying sounds in any park unless an exclusive use permit is first obtained. The ban is not limited to music: it covers speech or music or otherwise. Chapter X defines amplified music as music projected or transmitted by electronic equipment, including amplifiers, loudspeakers or any similar device, and defines amplified speech the same way (§ 10-2). Parks include playgrounds, greenbelts, open space, median strips and other areas the city owns, leases, operates or maintains.

When the director grants a permit for an amplified sound system, the permit can carry reasonable conditions on the location and position of the sound system and on the maximum decibel level, so that as little amplified sound as possible is audible in adjacent park areas and neighborhoods. The code does not print a decibel figure in § 10-16; the number is set permit by permit.

The permit process runs through the general park permit rules. Section 10-4(b) requires a park permit for any activity or event that uses amplified music or amplified speech. The application must describe the nature and duration of any amplified sound, whether speech or music (§ 10-6), and the director can restrict amplified sound and noise levels from motors and other equipment as a permit condition (§ 10-7). The director acts within four business days of filing, and a denied applicant can appeal to the city clerk within five days (§ 10-12).

On streets, § 18-6.5 is a separate rule: no person can operate or drive a vehicle used for advertising purposes, or an advertising vehicle equipped with a sound-amplifying or loud-speaking device, upon any street or alley at any time without a permit signed by the city manager.