Amplified music rules in Whittier, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
The City of Whittier restricts amplified sound through its noise chapter. Radios, stereos, audio systems, and instruments may not be played so loudly as to disturb neighbors at any time, and during nighttime hours such sound that is plainly audible inside a neighboring home, or 50 feet from a nonresidential building, is prima facie evidence of a violation.
Whittier Municipal Code 8.32.040(H) ("Radios, Musical Instruments and Similar Devices") prohibits using or playing any stereo, radio, musical instrument, audio system, television, or similar device in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, with louder volume than necessary for convenient hearing by those voluntarily listening. Operating such a device during nighttime hours so as to be plainly audible by occupants of adjacent or neighboring residences, or plainly audible 50 feet from a nonresidential building, vehicle, or place, is prima facie evidence of a violation. Separately, WMC 8.32.040(G) ("Loudspeakers/Public Address System") restricts amplified sound and sound-amplifying equipment that casts sound onto the streets for advertising or to attract the public, or onto a public right-of-way, except as allowed under WMC 8.32.080. The code defines "sound amplifying equipment" in WMC 8.32.020 but excludes a standard car radio audible only to vehicle occupants. Loud amplified parties are most often handled under Whittier Municipal Code 9.56 with a "first response to host" notice from the Whittier Police Department. There is no decibel threshold; enforcement is by an officer's unaided hearing (WMC 8.32.060).
Amplified music disturbing neighbors is a Chapter 8.32 violation, with loud parties typically addressed under WMC 9.56 (first response to host, then enforcement). Violations are public nuisances abatable by the City (WMC 8.32.150) and punished as prescribed in WMC 1.08.010.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
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