Pismo Beach, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Amplified sound is regulated by § 9.24.050(B) inside the Noise Control chapter. Subsection B(1) covers radios, television sets, phonographs, drums, musical instruments and similar devices that produce or reproduce sound above the levels in the chapter. Between ten p.m. and seven a.m. they cannot create a noise disturbance across a residential and visitor serving or commercial real property line, and at any time they cannot violate § 9.24.060. Subsection B(1)(b) adds a public-space test: measured at least fifty feet from a device operating on a public right-of-way or public space, the level cannot exceed the public space levels in Table 1.

Subsection B(2) covers loudspeakers and other amplified sound. Using any loudspeaker, loudspeaker system or similar device for any purpose between ten p.m. and seven a.m. is prohibited when the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential and visitor serving real property line, or at any time when it violates § 9.24.060. The exceptions are noncommercial public speaking, public assembly or other activity with an exception from the noise control office.

The measurable standard is in § 9.24.060. Sound measured on any other property cannot exceed the Table 1 standard for a cumulative period of more than thirty minutes in any hour, that standard plus five dB for more than fifteen minutes, plus ten dB for more than five minutes, plus fifteen dB for more than one minute, or plus twenty dB for any period. Table 1 sets fifty dBA from ten p.m. to seven a.m. and fifty-five dBA from seven a.m. to ten p.m. for the residential categories, and sixty and sixty-five dBA for commercial zones. Under § 9.24.060(B), if the noise contains a steady audible tone, is repetitive, or contains music or speech, the Table 1 limits are reduced by 5 dB.

Outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and sporting and entertainment events are exempt under § 9.24.090(C) when held under a city permit or license and within the permissible times. Others can apply to the noise control office for an exception under § 9.24.100 with a fee set by council resolution, one application per noise source, capped at one hundred eight days.