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

Moorpark is a small, predominantly residential city of approximately 35,000 residents situated in the eastern Ventura County foothills, and its approach to outdoor amplified music reflects this quiet suburban character. Under the city's noise control regulations, any amplified sound source — including outdoor speakers, live bands, DJ systems, and public address systems — must comply with the applicable receiving zone's exterior noise limits. In residential zones, this means the noise reaching a neighboring property line must not exceed 55 dBA during daytime hours (7 AM to 10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM). Because music and speech content trigger the effective 5 dB tonal correction, the practical nighttime limit for identifiable amplified music reaching a residential property line may be as low as 40 dBA, which is highly restrictive in Moorpark's quiet ambient noise environment.

For commercial entertainment venues — restaurants, event halls, wineries, and similar uses along High Street and in commercial corridors — outdoor amplified entertainment must comply with the commercial zone thresholds of 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime. The Planning Division and Community Development Department may attach specific operational conditions to conditional use permits for establishments seeking to host regular outdoor entertainment, which can include requirements for sound walls or berms, maximum speaker orientation angles, amplification cutoff times tied to permit hours, and noise monitoring obligations. Special events with outdoor amplified sound on public property or in public parks require a Special Event Permit from the city, subject to review by the City Manager's office or designee.

Private residential gatherings — backyard parties, neighborhood celebrations, and similar activities — are permitted with amplified music during daytime hours provided the 55 dBA limit at neighboring property lines is respected. After 10 PM, the 45 dBA nighttime limit effectively requires that amplification be substantially reduced or eliminated in most of Moorpark's suburban residential settings. The Moorpark Police Department responds to noise complaints and may issue warnings or citations. Repeat complaints at the same address may be escalated to Code Enforcement for administrative follow-up, and hosts may be held responsible for noise generated by their guests.