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Madera County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Madera County, 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 cutoff
10 p.m.–8 a.m.
Prima facie test
Audible at 50 feet
First offense fine
Up to $500
Repeat offense fine
Up to $1,000
Applies in
Unincorporated Madera County only

Summary

In unincorporated Madera County, amplified sound from TVs, radios, and musical instruments is strictly banned between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. whenever it crosses onto a neighboring residential property.

City-specific rules exist: Madera has its own amplified music & outdoor sound rules that differ from Madera County's county-level regulations. If you live in Madera, check the city-specific page instead.

The use, operation or permitting to be played, used or operated, of any television set, radio, musical instrument or other device for amplification, production or reproduction of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or persons of normal sensitivity in the area. The use of such devices is strictly prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if the sound creates a noise disturbance that crosses residential property lines.b.Prima Facie Violations. The operation of any device for the amplification, production or reproduction of sound in such a manner that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the source or the building structure, or vehicle in which it is located, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.F.Operating or permitting the operation of any device that creates a vibration which is above the vibration perception threshold as defined in Section 9.58 at or beyond the property boundary of the source if on private property or one hundred fifty feet (forty-six meters) from the source if on a public right-of-way will be in violation of this chapter.G.Construction activities are limited to the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m. Monday through Friday and nine a.m. and five p.m. on Saturdays. Construction activities will be prohibited on Saturdays. Construction activities outside of these hours may be approved at the discretion of the Director of Public Works.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).

Full Breakdown

Madera County Code § 9.58.020(E)(2)(a) bars operating a television, radio, musical instrument, or other amplification device in a way that disturbs neighboring residents at any hour, and makes that use strictly prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. whenever the sound crosses a residential property line. Subsection (E)(2)(b) adds a bright-line test: sound from such a device that is plainly audible fifty feet from its source is prima facie evidence of a violation, day or night. The rule applies only in unincorporated Madera County, inside the cities of Madera and Chowchilla, city noise codes control instead.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a misdemeanor under § 9.58.040, enforceable by administrative citation of up to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second within a year, and $1,000 for each additional violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a decibel limit for amplified sound in Madera County?
No meter reading is required: sound plainly audible fifty feet from the source is prima facie evidence of a violation under § 9.58.020(E)(2)(b).
Can I play music after 10 p.m. if my neighbors can't hear it?
Only if the sound doesn't cross a residential property line: otherwise amplified sound is strictly prohibited between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. under § 9.58.020(E)(2)(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Madera County

All Madera County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Cities Across Madera County