Ontario, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Ontario, 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
- Code Section
- OMC 5-29.13 (Amplified sound)
- Permit authority
- Ontario Police Chief or designee
- Hours barred
- 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Audibility limit
- Not audible beyond 100 feet from the equipment
Summary
Ontario Municipal Code section 5-29.13 requires a Police Chief permit to operate a loudspeaker or sound amplifier on public property, or at outdoor/indoor events over 100 people that are audible at the property line, and bars sound-amplifying equipment from being used between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(h) In addition to any other provisions of this Code, the use of sound-amplifying equipment and sound trucks in the City shall be subject to the following regulations: (1) The only sounds permitted are music and human speech; (2) Sound shall not be emitted within one hundred (100) yards of hospitals, churches, schools and City Hall; (3) The volume of sound shall be controlled so that it will not be audible for a distance in excess of one hundred (100) feet from the sound amplifying equipment or sound truck, and so that the volume is not unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing or a nuisance to persons within the range of allowed audibility; or (4) The sound amplifying equipment or sound truck shall not be used between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-32: Current through Ordinance 3338, passed 7-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
13, it is unlawful for any person (other than law enforcement or government personnel) to install, use or operate a loudspeaker or sound amplifying device in any street, sidewalk, park, place or public property without a permit from the Police Chief. The permit requirement also reaches sound-amplifying equipment used in connection with outdoor or indoor public or private events attended by more than 100 persons where the noise is audible at the property plane (or, for a street dance or concert, at the nearest residential property). m. 07.
Violations & Fines
Operating amplified sound without a required permit or outside permitted hours is an infraction under section 5-29.17, punishable by a fine under OMC section 1-2.01 (each day a separate offense), plus administrative citation fines under OMC 1-5.04 and possible nuisance abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a PA system at an outdoor event in Ontario?
When can permitted amplified sound be used?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.