Tazewell County, IL Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Tazewell County, IL, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Decibel limit
- 70 dB(A) at premises perimeter
- Applies to
- Mass gatherings, 5,000+ people, 10+ hours
- Permit lead time
- 60 days before event
- Entertainment curfew
- 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., absent waiver
- Violation classification
- Class A misdemeanor, Sec. 92.99
Summary
Tazewell County caps amplifying equipment at permitted mass gatherings, events of 5,000 or more people lasting at least 10 hours, at 70 decibels on the A-scale measured at the perimeter of the site. The limit is one of many conditions the County Board attaches before issuing a mass-gathering permit.
Noise level requirements. Amplifying equipment shall control the noise level at the perimeter of the premises as described in § 92.04(C), to no more than 70 decibels on the "A" scale of sound level meter which meets the specifications of the American National Standards Institute.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-7: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. LU-21-12, passed 9-29-2021; and Res. LU-26-09, passed 7-29-2026).
Full Breakdown
' The rule only reaches a MASS GATHERING as defined in Sec. 01: a public gathering of people within unincorporated Tazewell County reasonably expected to draw 5,000 or more attendees and to continue for at least 10 hours, so it targets large concerts, festivals and similar events rather than everyday amplified sound from a residence, bar or business. Sec. 02 requires promoters to obtain a written permit from the County Board at least 60 days before the event, after posting bond under Sec. 05 and furnishing insurance under Sec.
06, and after the Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD) certifies compliance with health and sanitation requirements. , unless the County Board finds adequate buffering or affected occupants file written waivers.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 92.99(A) makes setting up, holding or promoting a mass gathering without first obtaining the County Board permit, or otherwise failing to comply with Chapter 92 (which includes the Sec. 92.04(C)(9) decibel limit), a Class A misdemeanor, with each day of the violation a separate offense. The Chairperson of the County Board may also seek an injunction or other enforcement action under Sec. 92.99(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 70-decibel limit apply to a backyard party with a speaker system?
How is the 70-decibel limit measured at a mass gathering?
What happens if a promoter exceeds the noise limit at a permitted mass gathering?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tazewell County
Compare Tazewell County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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