West Hartford, CT Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Chapter 75, Entertainment Licenses, adopted October 25, 2016 and rewritten in its entirety August 14, 2018, defines "AMPLIFIED or AMPLIFICATION" in § 75-1 as any music, sound or other noise that uses electronic equipment, such as electronically powered microphones, speakers or bullhorns, to raise its decibel level. Under § 75-2, any place of business offering live or pre-recorded amplified musical performances, or dancing to live or amplified music, on a regular or occasional basis must hold an entertainment license from the Chief of Police, who must approve or deny the application within 30 days, with exemptions for religious services, low-volume background music not meant for entertainment, school and studio programs, and § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt activities.

Section 75-3.B sets the time limit specific to amplified sound: entertainment must cease a full half hour before the licensed establishment's closing time, and while staff may stay afterward to clean, secure the premises, prep food or otherwise close up, no amplified sound of any kind is permitted during that post-closing work. Separately, § 75-3.A treats unreasonable noise from a licensed establishment as a nuisance regardless of whether it exceeds the decibel limits fixed in Chapter 123, though amplified music tied to an approved outdoor-dining special use permit is carved out of that unreasonable-noise standard. The West Hartford Police Department enforces the chapter, and § 75-9.A fines an unlicensed establishment offering amplified entertainment $250 per day of violation.