Yuba County, CA Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Outdoor music -- from a backyard band to a venue or event -- in unincorporated Yuba County must comply with Yuba County Code Chapter 8.20. Section 8.20.610 prohibits loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace of a neighborhood, and Section 8.20.140 limits maximum exterior noise by zone and time, with the lowest limits from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The County's 2030 General Plan stationary-noise standards (Table Public Health & Safety-2) cap noise at noise-sensitive uses at 60 dBA Leq daytime and 45 dBA Leq nighttime, with each limit lowered 5 dBA for noise consisting primarily of music, so amplified music is held to a stricter threshold. The General Plan also expressly exempts certain public events -- school sporting events, festivals and similar community or temporary events -- from the Element's noise standards (Policy HS10.14). For temporary noise that cannot meet the ordinance, Section 8.20.710 allows the Department of Planning and Building Services to authorize an exemption by permit for projects up to six months. Larger venues such as amphitheaters in the County are noted as ongoing stationary noise sources in the General Plan. These rules apply only in unincorporated Yuba County; Marysville and Wheatland regulate events separately, and Yuba City is in Sutter County.