Amplified music rules in Monterey County, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music and other sound sources in unincorporated Monterey County must stay below 65 dBA maximum (and 45 Leq dBA) at the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and below 85 dBA at 50 feet at any time.
Monterey County Code Section 10.60.030 prohibits, at any time of day, operating any machine, mechanism, device, or contrivance that produces a noise level exceeding 85 dBA measured 50 feet from the source within the unincorporated area, unless the device is operated more than 2,500 feet from any occupied dwelling. Section 10.60.040 layers a nighttime standard of 45 Leq dBA / 65 dBA maximum on amplified or other sound from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, and sporting or entertainment events are exempt from the nighttime rule under Section 10.60.040(C)(2) only if the event is held on commercial or institutional premises, follows applicable zoning rules, and complies with all permits or licenses issued by a public agency.
Unpermitted amplified events that exceed the limits are enforceable as code violations. Permitted events that breach permit conditions risk permit revocation and citation. The County may issue notices of violation and pursue abatement; repeated or willful violations may be charged as a misdemeanor under the general penalty provisions of the Monterey County Code.
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