Douglas County, CO Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Douglas County, CO, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Amplifier noise cap
- 55 dB(A), around the clock
- Districts covered
- Business, Commercial, Light Industrial, General Industrial
- Time restriction
- None; flat limit day and night
- Measured at
- 25 feet or more from the lot line
- Possible exception
- Board-approved special events/permits
Summary
Douglas County caps electronic amplifier noise at 55 dB(A) in its Business, Commercial, Light Industrial and General Industrial districts (and comparable Planned Development areas) under § 1-1703A(4). That's the same ceiling as the daytime residential noise cap, applied specifically to speakers, PA systems and amplified music regardless of time of day.
4. Noise by means of any electronic amplifier shall not exceed 55 dB(A) in the B, C, LI, and GI Districts or similar districts within Planned Developments.
§ 1-1704A. Specific Exclusions. The following uses and/or activities are excluded from the requirements of § 1-1703A:
1. The operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control. [§ 25-12-103(4), C.R.S.]
2. The use of property for purposes of conducting speed or endurance events involving motor or other vehicles, but such exception is effective only during the specific period of time within which such use of the property is authorized by the Board of County Commissioners. [§ 25-12-103(7), C.R.S.]
3. The commercial use of property and commercial activity. [§ 25-12-104, C.R.S.]
4. The use of property for a farming or ranching activity. [§ 25-12-104, C.R.S.]
5. The use of property by the state, or any political subdivision of the state, or any of their lessees, licensees, or permittees, for the purpose of promoting, producing, or holding cultural, entertainment, athletic, or patriotic events, including, but not limited to, concerts, music festivals, and fireworks displays. [§ 25-12-103(11), C.R.S.] If such activity requires a separate County approval, this exception is effective only during the specific period of time within which such use of the property is authorized by the Board of County Commissioners.
6.
Full Breakdown
Douglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1703A(4) singles out amplified sound for its own rule: noise by means of any electronic amplifier shall not exceed 55 dB(A) in the B, C, LI, and GI Districts or similar districts within Planned Developments. Unlike the general table in § 1-1703A, which splits daytime and nighttime limits (55 dB(A) versus 50 dB(A)) for residential and agricultural districts, the amplifier rule sets one flat 55 dB(A) ceiling around the clock, and it applies only in the county's commercial and industrial zone districts (Business, Commercial, Light Industrial, General Industrial) rather than countywide.
That means a bar, event venue, or outdoor speaker system in a B, C, LI or GI district cannot exceed 55 dB(A) at any hour, measured under § 1-1705A on an A-weighted meter at least 25 feet from the lot line, with wind under 5 mph (10 mph using a windscreen) and ambient noise accounted for. The amplifier limit is not on the list of eight specific exclusions in § 1-1704A, though county-authorized cultural, entertainment, or patriotic events approved by the Board of County Commissioners for a specific time period, and concerts or festivals conducted under a special use permit, can be excused under separate provisions of that exclusion list if the permit itself does not address noise.
Violations & Fines
Amplified sound above 55 dB(A) in a B, C, LI or GI district violates Douglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1703A(4) and is enforced under §§ 1-113 and 1-114: a $100 civil infraction per violation, a civil penalty of $500 to $1,000, a continuing fine of up to $100 per day the amplifier noise persists, or an injunction or abatement order to shut off the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Douglas County limit how loud a speaker or PA system can be?
Can a venue get permission to exceed the amplifier limit for an event?
Does the 55 dB(A) amplifier cap apply in residential zone districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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