Sacramento, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Sacramento, CA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Sept-Oct limit
- 96 dBA Leq
- Nov-Aug limit
- 98 dBA Leq
- Measurement point
- Sound booth, within 150 feet of source
- Weeknight cutoff
- 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
- Weekend cutoff
- 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, holiday eves
- Earliest start
- 9 a.m. every day
Summary
Concerts, athletic events and other outdoor activities using amplified sound in Sacramento are capped at 96 dBA Leq in September and October and 98 dBA Leq the rest of the year, measured within 150 feet of the source. Amplified sound must also stop by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and specified holiday eves.
A. It is unlawful for any person to conduct, or permit to be conducted on its property, any outdoor recreational activity, including, but not limited to, athletic events, sporting events, entertainment events and concerts at which amplified noise, amplified music, or amplified sound exceeding the following levels is created: 96 dba leq during the months of September and October; 98 dba leq during the months of November through August. The noise, music or sound shall be measured at the sound booth or other reasonable location which is not more than 150 feet from the source. B. Time Limits. 1. Sunday through Thursday... shall commence not earlier than nine a.m. and shall be terminated no later than ten p.m. 2. Friday, Saturday and the Day Before Specified Holidays... shall commence not earlier than nine a.m. and shall be terminated no later than eleven p.m.
Full Breakdown
160 regulates amplified sound at outdoor recreational activities, 'athletic events, sporting events, entertainment events and concerts', city-wide. ' Operators must let the city manager or a designee place a sound-level meter at that measurement point to monitor compliance. m. on Friday, Saturday and the day before the state holidays listed in Government Code §§ 6700-6701. 150 explain the near-source measurement approach, off-site measurement under the general exterior standard is 'very cumbersome and expensive to enforce' for outdoor events, and 96 dBA Leq at 150 feet was calculated by the county environmental health division to roughly match the off-site limits elsewhere in the chapter. 170 to deviate from the limits, backed by an acoustical engineer's report and an application fee.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 8.68 violations, including exceeding § 8.68.160's decibel or time limits, are enforced with a written notice and correction order under § 8.68.280(A)(1); noncompliance is a misdemeanor. Violations are a declared public nuisance and carry civil penalties of $250 to $25,000 per day under § 8.68.280(C), separate from any deviation-permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can an outdoor concert be in Sacramento?
What time does outdoor amplified music have to stop?
Can a venue get approval for louder or later sound?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.