Westminster, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

The City of Westminster does not maintain a stand-alone loudspeaker or sound-amplification permit ordinance. Amplified music instead falls under the general Noise Control standards of WMC Chapter 8.28. Sections 8.28.040 (exterior) and 8.28.050 (interior) set the base limits: citywide Zone 1 is 55 dB(A), and Zone 2 (R2-R5 districts) is 60 dB(A) daytime / 55 dB(A) at night. Critically, both sections require that noise consisting of music, speech, simple-tone or impact content be measured against a limit reduced by 5 dB(A). For amplified music, that means the effective exterior limit drops to 50 dB(A) in Zone 1 and tightens further at night in Zone 2 and indoors. The ordinance also uses graduated duration triggers - the limit may not be exceeded for more than 30 minutes per hour, and exceeding it by 20 dB(A) for any period is unlawful - so loud, sustained amplified music readily becomes a violation and a public nuisance. Outdoor amplified events tied to a permitted public gathering may fall under the exemption in WMC 8.28.060(B) for permitted outdoor events; otherwise the standard limits apply. Variances for events can be sought through the county noise variance board under Section 8.28.080. Enforcement treats violations as public nuisances subject to the general penalty provisions.