Outdoor music in unincorporated Placer County must meet the noise ordinance's reduced 'simple tone' limits (Table 1 minus 5 dB) at any neighboring sensitive receptor. Events that cannot comply may seek a special-event noise exception under Placer County Code 9.36.080(C).
Outdoor music at homes, venues and events in unincorporated Placer County is regulated under Placer County Code Article 9.36. Because 9.36.020 defines 'simple tone noise' to include music, 9.36.060(B) reduces the Table 1 limits by 5 dB for outdoor music - approximately 50 dB hourly Leq and 65 dB maximum during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 40 dB Leq / 60 dB maximum at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.), measured at a neighboring sensitive receptor's property line, but never below ambient + 5 dB. Larger gatherings, weddings and concerts that cannot meet these limits can apply for a special-event exception under 9.36.080(C); the county weighs conformance with the ordinance's intent, the presence of sensitive receptors, hardship, time of day, duration and public welfare, and notice must be given to surrounding properties that would experience noise above Table 1. The county may impose conditions limiting sound level, duration and hours, and may modify or revoke an exception if complaints arise (9.36.080(G)).
Outdoor music exceeding the reduced limits without an exception is an infraction (9.36.090), fined $100/$200/$500 under 9.36.110, with each day a separate offense. Sheriff's deputies respond to event-noise complaints in unincorporated areas; exceeding exception conditions can trigger modification or revocation under 9.36.080(G).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Placer County, CA
In the Tahoe Basin (east of Emigrant Gap), Placer County Code 10.12.020 bans parking on county roadways from November 1 to May 1 so plows can clear snow. No ...
Placer County, CA
Placer County enforces loading zones through painted curbs and posted signs. A yellow curb is a loading zone and a white curb is passenger loading; parking a...
Placer County, CA
Placer County does not restrict EV charging; it actively promotes it. The county adopted an expedited permitting ordinance (Code Chapter 15, Article 15.04, S...
Placer County, CA
Placer County has no dedicated street ordinance setting an oversized-vehicle length or weight limit, but oversized commercial vehicles face a 4-hour limit on...
Placer County, CA
Overnight parking is restricted in two ways in unincorporated Placer County. In the Tahoe Basin, county public parking lots prohibit parking between 2 a.m. a...
Placer County, CA
Placer County requires screening fencing or walls with certain development. New development must provide opaque screen fencing (solid wood, masonry, or simil...
See how Placer County's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.