Washoe County, NV Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Washoe County, NV, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Dedicated event rule
- None countywide
- Residential limit
- 65 Ldn at property line
- Measurement window
- 24-hour Ldn average
- Night penalty
- +10 dB, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Variance exemption
- If noise specifically reviewed
Summary
Outdoor music and events in unincorporated Washoe County have no dedicated ordinance. They are measured against the Development Code's property-line day-night sound (Ldn) limits, 65 Ldn abutting residential, with a 10 dB penalty for any sound made between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Any use approved through a variance that specifically reviewed the issue of noise created by the use [is exempt from the regulations of this article].
Full Breakdown
The Washoe County Code has no separate outdoor-music or special-event noise ordinance for unincorporated areas; outdoor sound is measured against Development Code Article 414. Section 110.414.10 requires an A-weighted, 24-hour measurement averaged hourly to compute the Ldn, taken at the property line at least three feet from any wall and three feet above ground, with a 10 dB penalty added to nighttime sound (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Residential-abutting property is limited to 65 Ldn. Article 414 does allow a use approved through a variance that specifically reviewed the noise it creates to be exempt, which is the mechanism for approving a noisy outdoor venue. Reno and Sparks regulate outdoor events under their own city codes.
Violations & Fines
Outdoor sound over the Article 414 Ldn limits is a Development Code violation, unless a variance specifically approved the noise; code enforcement pursues abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold a loud outdoor event in the county?
Is there a separate outdoor-music ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada noise ordinances overview
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