Amplified music rules in Union City, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Union City regulates amplified sound through its Community Noise Ordinance rather than a stand-alone sound-amplification permit law. Amplified music that becomes a noise disturbance or exceeds the ambient-plus limits violates Chapter 9.40.
UCMC 9.40.040 bars producing any noise disturbance 'by any machine, animal or device,' which reaches amplifiers, speakers, and stereos. On residential property the limit is 10 dBA over local ambient (9.40.041); on commercial or industrial property it is 12 dBA over ambient (9.40.042); on public property it is 15 dBA over ambient at 25 feet (9.40.043). The daytime exemption (9.40.050) only covers sources under 70 dBA at 25 feet, so loud amplified music typically is not exempt even during the day. Public sound performances and special events up to 80 dBA at 50 feet are exempt only when approved by the appropriate governmental entity (9.40.043.B).
Amplified music exceeding the limits or constituting a disturbance is an infraction under UCMC 9.40.121, each day a separate offense; equipment may be abated as a public nuisance (9.40.122).
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle amplified music & events.
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