Santa Clara County, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Santa Clara County, 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
- Nighttime cutoff
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Daytime residential limit
- 55 dBA
- Nighttime residential limit
- 45 dBA
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County bans running loudspeakers or amplified sound for commercial use between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it disturbs neighbors, and caps residential exterior noise at 45-55 dBA under the county Noise Ordinance.
Loudspeakers (amplified sound). Using or operating for any commercial purposes any loudspeaker system or similar device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, that the sound there from creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line, or at any time violates the provisions of Section B11-153.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Sec. B11-154(b)(2) makes it unlawful to operate a loudspeaker or amplified sound system for commercial purposes between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, or at any time if it exceeds the interior noise limits of Sec. B11-153. The companion exterior noise table at Sec. B11-152 caps residential sound at 45 dBA overnight (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) and 55 dBA during the day. These rules apply throughout unincorporated Santa Clara County; incorporated cities like San Jose and Sunnyvale enforce their own noise codes.
Violations & Fines
Operating amplified sound equipment that violates the time or decibel limits is a public nuisance under Sec. B11-158, enforceable by injunction, a misdemeanor charge, and fines up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What decibel level triggers a violation at night?
Does a permit exempt me from these limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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