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

Camarillo is a low-density suburban city in Ventura County with a strong residential character and a relatively quiet ambient noise environment. Its approach to outdoor amplified music, governed by Municipal Code Chapter 6.30, reflects this: any amplified sound source — outdoor speakers, live bands, DJ equipment, or public address systems — must comply with the applicable zone's exterior noise limits at the property line of the receiving parcel. In residential zones, this means 55 dBA during daytime hours (7 AM to 10 PM) and 45 dBA at night. Because music and identifiable speech content trigger the 5 dB correction provision, the effective nighttime limit for amplified music that crosses into a residential parcel may be as low as 40 dBA, which is approximately conversational speech at a few feet — essentially prohibiting audible amplification in most suburban backyard settings after 10 PM.

For commercial venues — including restaurants with outdoor patios along Arneill Road or in the Camarillo Premium Outlets area, event facilities, and retail centers — outdoor amplified entertainment must comply with the 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime commercial zone limits. The city's Planning Division may attach specific operational conditions to conditional use permits or special event permits for businesses that regularly host outdoor entertainment. These conditions commonly include requirements for sound attenuation barriers, maximum speaker height and orientation angles, decibel monitoring, and hard cutoff times for amplification. Establishments that fail to comply with permit conditions may face compliance review and potential permit modification or revocation.

Special events held on public property — such as the Camarillo Air Show grounds area, public parks, or Downtown Camarillo — that involve outdoor amplified entertainment require a Special Event Permit from the city. Permit applications must be submitted in advance and may include a sound management plan. Private residential gatherings with amplified sound — backyard parties, neighborhood celebrations — are permitted during daytime hours provided the 55 dBA limit at adjoining property lines is met. After 10 PM, the 45 dBA nighttime threshold requires substantial reduction or cessation of amplification in most residential settings. The Camarillo Police Department responds to noise complaints and may issue warnings or citations; repeat complaints may be escalated to Code Enforcement.