Amplified music rules in Tustin, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified sound in Tustin is governed by the city's Chapter 6 decibel limits, which are reduced 5 dB(A) when the noise is music or speech. Section 4616(1) separately bans radios, instruments, phonographs, loudspeakers and sound amplifiers used to cast sound onto public streets for commercial advertising above the Section 4614/4615 limits.
Tustin does not set a separate decibel number just for amplified music; instead its general exterior and interior standards (Sections 4614 and 4615) apply, with a key adjustment: when the offending noise consists of impact noise, simple-tone noise, speech, music, or any combination, each numeric limit is reduced by 5 dB(A). So in a residential zone the effective nighttime ceiling for amplified music is 45 dB(A) (50 dB(A) minus 5). Section 4616(1) specifically makes it unlawful to use or permit any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier or similar device to produce sound exceeding the Section 4614/4615 levels where that sound is cast upon the public streets to advertise commercially or attract public attention to a building or business. Permitted special events, outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and entertainment events conducted under a city-issued permit (Article 3, Chapter 2 of the Tustin City Code) are exempt under Section 4617(b). Loud-party and amplified-music complaints are typically handled by the Tustin Police Department before any misdemeanor citation.
Amplified sound exceeding the music-adjusted limits, or commercial-advertising amplification under Section 4616(1), is a misdemeanor under Section 4625, with each day a separate offense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle amplified music & events.
See how Tustin's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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