Oxnard, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Oxnard, 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
- School/church/hospital buffer
- 300 feet, when in session
- Citywide street curfew
- 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $1,000 or 6 months jail
- Public property infraction fine
- $50 first, up to $250 repeat
- Permitted event exception
- Licensed parades/festivals exempt
Summary
Oxnard bans broadcasting, meaning operating a vehicle-mounted sound amplification system to address the public, within 300 feet of a school, church or hospital when in session, and on any public street between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., per Oxnard Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-190.
BROADCAST - To operate, or permit the operation of, any sound amplification system on or within a vehicle for the purpose of addressing the public or attracting the attention of persons outside the vehicle... SEC. 7-190. BROADCASTING IN CERTAIN AREAS. Except as allowed by section 7-188, no person shall broadcast: (A) Within 300 feet of any school or church or other place of religious worship, when in session, or any hospital; or (B) On any public street between the hours 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Contains Supplement current through 1-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 7-182(D) defines BROADCAST as operating, or permitting the operation of, 'any sound amplification system on or within a vehicle for the purpose of addressing the public or attracting the attention of persons outside the vehicle,' covering loudspeakers, PA systems and similar amplified vehicle sound used to reach people outside. Sec. of the following day' citywide, regardless of proximity to any sensitive use. Sec. 7-188(H) carves out an exception for broadcasting from an aircraft, motor vehicle or fixed sound-amplifying equipment, or use of a radio, tape player or similar device, when it occurs in the course of a licensed or permitted assembly, festival or parade.
Beyond vehicle broadcasting, any amplified music heard off the source property is also independently regulated by Chapter 7, Article XI's general exterior sound standards at Sec. , reduced by five dBA further for sounds consisting of speech or music under Sec. 7-185(B).
Violations & Fines
Broadcasting within 300 feet of a school, church or hospital, or on a public street between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., violates Sec. 7-190 and is punishable as a misdemeanor under Sec. 7-193, with fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail, or both; each day of violation is a separate offense. On public property, Sec. 7-191 instead sets graduated infraction fines of up to $50, $100 and $250 for repeat violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sound truck drive through an Oxnard neighborhood at night?
How close to a school can amplified vehicle sound be used in Oxnard?
Is there an exception for parades or festivals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oxnard
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.