South Gate, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in South Gate, 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
- Audibility cap
- 225 ft from source
- Decibel scale
- 70 dB at 10 ft
- Decibel scale
- 58 dB at 35 ft
- Penalty
- misdemeanor, per-hour offense
Summary
South Gate caps noise from radios, TVs, and other amplified entertainment devices at set decibel levels measured at fixed distances, or barred outright once audible past 225 feet from the source.
Standard Electronic Entertainment Devices. Any portable noise emission created by a radio, television, record player, tape or video recorder, or other electronic entertainment device, regardless of whether its power supply is fixed or portable, which can be heard at a distance of greater than two hundred twenty-five feet from the source, or which exceeds a "slowed" response decibel measurement set forth below at the distance identified adjacent thereto. If the person is the following distance from the noise source
The average decibel reading should not exceed the following 10 feet 70 Db 15 feet 68 Db 20 feet 65 Db 25 feet 62 Db 30 feet 60 Db 35 feet 58 Db
(c) Standard for Loud Parties or Gatherings. Any portable noise emission which emanates from a party or gathering of two or more people that can be heard at a distance of thirty feet from the boundary of the property where such party or gathering is held. (Ord. 1815 § 1 (part), 5-22-1989; Ord. 1951 § 2, 6-22-1993; Ord. 2011 § 1 Exh. A (part), 8-27-1996)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4847832; v1 updated 2026-05-12; through 05-12-2026).
Full Breakdown
The general code's portable noise emissions chapter treats a radio, television, record player, tape or video recorder, or other electronic entertainment device as an offensive noise source if it can be heard more than two hundred twenty-five feet from where it's playing, or if it exceeds a sliding decibel scale measured at set distances: for example 70 dB at ten feet down to 58 dB at thirty-five feet. This applies to noise made on public property, on private property open to the public, or by someone not acting under the property possessor's control. Violating it is a misdemeanor, enforced jointly by the noise control officer and police.
Violations & Fines
An offensive portable noise emission is a public nuisance and a misdemeanor; each hour of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music loud enough for neighbors to hear in South Gate?
Who enforces South Gate's amplified sound limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Gate
California rules heatmap·Compare South Gate to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.