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

For outdoor music and events, Glenn County applies two overlapping rules. First, the 2023 noise ordinance, Section 10.25.020, expressly covers devices 'operated outside': during the night quiet period of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), audio equipment may not be louder than needed for nearby listeners, and operation 'in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the machine or device if operated outside' is prima facie evidence of a violation. This squarely reaches outdoor speakers, DJs, and amplified live music at residences and outdoor gatherings during night hours. Second, the zoning noise standard, Section 15.56.100, lists its exemptions and notably exempts only 'nonelectronically amplified sounds at sporting, amusement and entertainment events,' meaning electronically amplified event music is not exempt and must meet the county's general dBA limits. Daytime construction-style and event noise is otherwise judged against Table B/C limits. The county adopted Chapter 10.25 precisely to give deputies a tool against amplified noise without a formal complainant. These rules apply in the unincorporated communities of Glenn County; Willows and Orland regulate outdoor events under their own city codes and permit processes.