Amplified music rules in Portland, ME — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Portland prohibits loudspeakers, amplifiers, radios, musical instruments, and phonographs operated 'in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants' (Sec. 17-17(c)). Amplified sound on public rights-of-way is additionally controlled by Sec. 17-20, with escalating fines from $50 to $500. Entertainment-licensed venues are subject to Sound Oversight Committee review after multiple complaints.
Portland City Code Sec. 17-17(c) explicitly lists 'the playing of any radio, musical instrument, phonograph or any other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound' and 'the use of any loudspeaker or amplifier for the purpose of commercial advertising or attraction of the public' as examples of prohibited loud, unnecessary, and unusual noises when they disturb neighboring inhabitants. Sec. 17-20 (Creation of Certain Noise Upon Public Right of Way) prohibits operating any noise-creating device on a public right-of-way 'in such a manner that the public's attention is drawn to the source of the noise,' which captures amplified music played from vehicles, sidewalks, or street performances at disturbance levels. First-Amendment-protected expression is exempted (Sec. 17-20(d)(1)). Entertainment-licensed establishments are subject to additional oversight: when police receive 2+ verified complaints from 2 separate individuals within 7 days, OR 5+ complaints in 30 days, the licensee must meet with the city's Sound Oversight Committee.
Under Sec. 17-17(d): $100 first offense, $300 second, $500 each subsequent, plus attorneys' fees and costs. Under Sec. 17-20(e): $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 third, $500 fourth and subsequent. Entertainment-license holders face Sound Oversight Committee meetings and potential license non-renewal under Chapter 14 entertainment-license provisions. State disorderly-conduct charges under 17-A M.R.S. Sec. 501-A (Class E crime) are available for loud unreasonable noise from sound systems after a police order to cease.
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