Sedona, AZ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Sedona, AZ, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Daytime audibility limit
- 50 feet, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Nighttime audibility limit
- 25 feet, 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Covers
- Radios, stereos, boom boxes, instruments
- Location covered
- Public streets, property, rights-of-way
- Sound trucks/loudspeakers
- Banned outright from vehicles, SCC 8.25.040(B)
- Civil penalty
- Up to $2,500 per day
Summary
Sedona bans playing a radio, stereo or musical instrument from a public street or right-of-way loud enough to carry 50 feet during the day, tightening to 25 feet after 10:00 p.m. SCC 8.25.040(G) sets the distance thresholds regardless of decibel measurement.
G. Specific Acts Prohibited.
1. The playing of any radio, stereo, player, or other sound device, including, but not limited to, "boom boxes" or other devices for reproduction or amplification of sound, from a public street, public property or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or greater in any direction between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., such equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that it is plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction.
2. The playing of any musical instrument, including, but not limited to, guitar, keyboard, drums or other musical instrument, from a public street, public property or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or greater in any direction between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., sound from such equipment shall not be plainly audible by any person other than the operator.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
040(G), "Specific Acts Prohibited," targets amplified sound in public places directly by audibility distance rather than a metered decibel reading. m. the threshold tightens so the equipment cannot be plainly audible even 25 feet away. the instrument cannot be plainly audible to anyone but the person playing it. 040(B), which makes it unlawful to operate any sound truck, loudspeaker or amplifier from a vehicle that emits loud and raucous noise. Together these provisions cover amplified music whether it comes from a stationary boom box on a public sidewalk, a busker's amp, or a vehicle-mounted speaker.
Violations & Fines
Violating the public-place amplified sound limits in SCC 8.25.040(G) or the vehicle-mounted amplifier ban in SCC 8.25.040(B) is a civil violation under SCC 8.25.070(A)(1), carrying a penalty of up to $2,500 per offense with each day treated separately. Three or more such violations within 24 months makes the offender a habitual offender under SCC 8.25.070(A)(2), exposing them to a class 1 misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail, and a mandatory minimum $500 fine per count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music from a speaker on a Sedona sidewalk?
Does the amplified sound rule cover live musicians on the street?
Is a sound truck or vehicle-mounted loudspeaker allowed in Sedona?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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