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.
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.
Under OMC section 5-29.13, 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). Permitted amplified sound is subject to operating limits in subsection (h): only music and human speech are permitted; sound may not be emitted within 100 yards of hospitals, churches, schools and City Hall; volume must be controlled so it is not audible beyond 100 feet; and the equipment shall not be used between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Personal-use electronic devices (radios, MP3 players, televisions, etc.) heard only inside a building or vehicle are excluded under section 5-29.12, but loud party music remains subject to the loud-and-disturbing-noise rule of section 5-29.07.
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.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle amplified music & events.
See how Ontario's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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