Provo, UT Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Provo, UT, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Entertainment venue cap
- 105 dBA maximum at all times
- Venues covered
- Restaurants, bars, cafes, discotheques, dance halls
- Amplification defined
- Any device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound (9.06.020(4))
- Permit exemption
- Mayor may permit events with set dBA limit and duration
- Code Section
- Provo City Code 9.06.040(3)
Summary
Provo City Code makes it unlawful to maintain a sound level exceeding 105 dBA in any public entertainment venue, including restaurants, bars, cafes, discotheques, or dance halls. Amplified sound on private property must also stay within the property-line dBA limits of Chapter 9.06.
9.06.040 Noise Limits. (3) It is unlawful to maintain a sound level in any public entertainment venue, including, but not limited to, restaurants, bars, cafes, discotheques, or dance halls, that exceeds one hundred five (105) dBA. 9.06.020 Definitions. (4) "Noise source" means any device, instrument, or object that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound. This definition also encompasses multiple sound sources. (3) "Noise" means any sound that is unwanted or harmful.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-17, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Provo regulates amplified music through Chapter 9.06. Section 9.06.040(3) makes it unlawful to maintain a sound level in any public entertainment venue, including but not limited to restaurants, bars, cafes, discotheques, or dance halls, that exceeds 105 dBA. The chapter's definitions reach amplified sound directly: a 'noise source' means any device, instrument, or object that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound (Sec. 9.06.020(4)), and 'noise' means any sound that is unwanted or harmful (Sec. 9.06.020(3)). Amplified music heard beyond a property line is also subject to the general dBA limits of Section 9.06.040 (for example, 55 dBA at night and 65 dBA during the day for residential receiving property). Noise from parades, carnivals, public social events, and similar activities may be exempted by a written permit issued by the Mayor or designee that specifies the maximum allowable dBA and duration (Sec. 9.06.050(1)).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 105 dBA in a public entertainment venue, or exceeding the property-line dBA limits, is a class B misdemeanor under Section 9.06.070(1), with each occurrence a separate offense. The violation is also a nuisance subject to summary abatement by restraining order or injunction (Sec. 9.06.070(2)).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a bar or club be in Provo?
Can I get a permit to amplify music at an outdoor event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Provo
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Utah County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.