Burbank Outdoor Music Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Burbank Municipal Code Section 9-3-213 addresses radios, televisions, and similar sound-reproducing devices in and adjacent to parks as well as in residential settings. These devices create a prima facie noise violation when the sound they produce causes the ambient noise level at the property line of an adjacent property to exceed the applicable ambient noise base level by more than 5 decibels. For residential receiving properties, this means nighttime outdoor music must not push measured noise above approximately 50 dBA at the neighbor's property line (the 45 dBA baseline plus the 5 dBA allowance).

Section 9-3-221 governs sound trucks and mobile amplification systems, requiring registration with the City. Registered sound trucks may operate only between 9 AM and 9 PM on weekdays and are prohibited within 300 feet of hospitals, churches, courthouses, and schools. For large outdoor events involving amplified music on public property or requiring street closures, organizers must obtain a Special Event Permit through the Community Development Department well in advance. Private backyard gatherings with amplified music are not separately licensed but must comply with the ambient noise standards and quiet-hours rules. As the self-described Media Capital of the World, Burbank hosts frequent entertainment industry events; production companies may seek temporary sound variances for on-location filming, but these do not override nighttime residential quiet hours. Complaints can be reported to the Burbank Police non-emergency line at (818) 238-3000.