Salem, OR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Salem, OR, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Amplified sound audible in another dwelling
- Distance rule
- Barred 150+ feet onto public property
- Standard used
- "Plainly audible," no decibel test needed
- First offense
- Infraction (SRC 93.990(a))
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor within 6 months (SRC 93.990(b))
Summary
Salem bars amplified sound, including music from radios, stereos, and loudspeakers, that is plainly audible inside another dwelling, church, school, or business, or that carries 150 feet or more onto public property, under SRC 93.020(a). The rule applies at any hour and treats a qualifying violation as a noise disturbance per se, with no measured decibel reading required.
(a)Sound producing, amplifying or reproducing equipment. It shall be unlawful to operate or use, or to permit the operation or use of, any device that produces or amplifies sound, including, but not limited to, musical instruments, radios, televisions, stereos, compact disc players, tape recorders, amplifiers and loudspeakers, in such a manner that the sound produced thereby is plainly audible:(1)Within any dwelling unit, church, temple, synagogue, business, day care center or school, other than the source of the sound; or(2)On public property or a public right-of-way 150 feet or more from such device, except as specifically authorized in writing by the city, county, state or federal government that owns or controls such property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
010. 005 defines as sound a listener can clearly hear with unaided hearing, including musical rhythms, engine noises, or spoken words even if the words are not fully discernible. Two separate audibility tests apply. Under (a)(1), the sound cannot be plainly audible within any dwelling unit, church, temple, synagogue, business, day care center, or school other than the one where the source is located, meaning a violation can occur even between two private residences. Under (a)(2), sound reaching public property or a public right-of-way 150 feet or more from the device is also unlawful unless the government entity controlling that property specifically authorizes it in writing.
020 declares these to be noise disturbances per se, the City does not need to prove the sound met any decibel threshold, only that it was plainly audible past the stated distance or into the listed premises. 990(b), a meaningfully steeper penalty tier for repeat amplified-sound complaints.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the amplified-sound rule in SRC 93.020(a) is an infraction under SRC 93.990(a), and a court can order the violator to correct the problem in addition to any fine. A second or subsequent violation within six months of a prior conviction under SRC 93.010 or 93.020 is elevated to a misdemeanor under SRC 93.990(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music at home in Salem before it's illegal?
What counts as 'plainly audible' under Salem's noise code?
What's the penalty for a repeat loud-music complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salem
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