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

Palm Desert does not use a decibel meter for music. Section 9.24.050 uses two tests instead. Subsection B bars operating any sound production or reproduction device, including radios, musical instruments, drums, televisions, loudspeakers and sound amplifiers, in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness. Subsection C then supplies the prima facie standard: a device that is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located, or from the source point, is evidence of a violation. A separate sound amplifier test in the same section adds vibration, so a person aware of vibration at fifty feet or more from the source point also meets the standard.

The code defines amplified music as instrumental and vocal music amplified through electronic means, and its list of commercial establishments includes nightclubs, restaurants and sports bars. Subsection D authorizes any peace officer, and the city manager or designees, who encounter a prima facie violation to issue a citation and to confiscate and impound, as evidence, any or all of the components amplifying or transmitting the sound.

Section 9.24.060 carves out exemptions. School bands and school athletic and entertainment events are exempt. So are outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, and sporting and entertainment events, provided the city authorizes the event, and activities conducted in public parks and public playgrounds. Section 9.24.040 separately bars loud, excessive, impulsive or intrusive sound that annoys or disturbs persons of ordinary sensibilities at a distance of greater than fifty feet from the property line. Parties that grow into repeated police responses fall under Chapter 9.25, which carries its own response fees.