Pacifica, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Pacifica, 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
- Nighttime hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet = violation
- Outdoor permit entertainment window
- Thu 4-8pm, Fri-Sun noon-8pm
- Outdoor permit sound limit
- Inaudible beyond 175 feet
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor up to $1,000 / 6 months
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, playing a radio, phonograph, musical instrument or similar device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so it is plainly audible 50 feet from the source is prima facie evidence of a noise violation under Pacifica Municipal Code § 5-10.03(b)(2). Outdoor commercial permits allow limited amplified entertainment on a stricter separate schedule.
(b)Radios, phonographs, musical instruments, and similar devices.(1)The using or operating, or permitting to be played, used, or operated, of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the persons who are in the room, vehicle, or chamber in which such machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners thereto; and(2)The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine, or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50′) feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which such device is located which shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of the provisions of this section;
Full Breakdown
03(b) of the noise ordinance covers radios, phonographs, musical instruments and similar sound equipment in two ways. Paragraph (1) bars operating any such device in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, or at any time louder than necessary for the voluntary listeners actually in the room, vehicle or chamber where it is playing. so that it is plainly audible 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle where it sits is itself prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning the city does not have to separately prove the sound disturbed anyone.
m. Friday through Sunday and federal holidays, and all sound from the permitted outdoor area must stay inaudible beyond 175 feet from the area's limits at all times. 03(b) nighttime standard that applies citywide.
Violations & Fines
A general amplified-sound violation under Section 5-10.03(b) falls under the Code's general penalty in Section 1-2.01, a misdemeanor of up to $1,000 and six months in jail, or a graduated infraction starting at $100. An outdoor commercial permittee who exceeds the entertainment hours or the 175-foot audibility limit in Section 9-4.5206(f) also risks permit suspension or revocation under Section 9-4.5211, in addition to any noise citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does amplified music have to stop in Pacifica?
Can a Pacifica restaurant have live amplified music outside?
How far can outdoor commercial sound carry under a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica 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 Mateo County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.