Sunnyvale, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Sunnyvale, 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
- Curfew
- 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. citywide
- Permit issuer
- Chief, Department of Public Safety
- Permit scope
- public events of general interest only
- Revocation
- any time sound disturbs the public peace
- Penalty
- misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine/6 months jail
- Citation origin
- SMC Sec. 9.48.010, prior code Sec. 4-9.03
Summary
Sunnyvale bans outdoor loudspeakers and sound amplifiers between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. citywide. Operating one during those hours requires a permit from the chief of the department of public safety, granted only for public events of general interest, and the chief can revoke it any time the equipment disturbs the public peace under Chapter 9.48.
No person shall operate any loudspeaker or sound amplifier or instrument, in such a manner as to cause any sound to be projected outside of any building, or out-of-doors, in any part of the city between the hours of ten p.m. and ten a.m., except during public events and affairs of interest to the general public, and then only on permit from the chief of the department of public safety. Such permit shall be granted upon application therefor, but shall be revocable by the chief of public safety whenever any such loudspeaker or sound amplifier or instrument is objectionable to, or disturbs the public peace, and in the event of the revocation of any such permit the same shall not be renewed without satisfactory proof to the chief of public safety that the public peace will no longer be disturbed.
Full Breakdown
m. The only exception is for 'public events and affairs of interest to the general public,' and even then the operator must first obtain a permit from the chief of the department of public safety. ' Once revoked, the chapter bars renewal unless the applicant offers satisfactory proof the disturbance will not recur. 030. 020 by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense. 45, may still apply if the amplified sound accompanies a larger gathering.
Violations & Fines
Operating a loudspeaker or sound amplifier outdoors between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. without a public safety permit, or continuing to run one after the chief of public safety revokes the permit for disturbing the peace, is a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty provision, Section 1.04.020: up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in county jail, with every day of continued operation treated as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run outdoor speakers late at night in Sunnyvale?
Who issues the amplified sound permit and can it be revoked?
What is the penalty for violating Sunnyvale's loudspeaker curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.