San Bernardino County, CA Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Outdoor and amplified music in unincorporated San Bernardino County is regulated under the same provisions as other amplified sound. County Code Section 24.0705 (Disturbing, Excessive or Offensive Noise) makes it unlawful to play loud music or transmit noise from any audio or sound-amplifying equipment that is disturbing, excessive, or offensive to a reasonable person, with violations generally requiring declarations from two neighboring inhabitants unless an officer determines the noise is excessive on investigation. For an ongoing outdoor sound system at a fixed location (such as a venue or backyard installation), the Development Code stationary-source standards in Section 83.01.080 apply: 55 dB(A) Leq from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 45 dB(A) Leq from 10 p.m.-7 a.m. at a residential receiver (Table 5), with short-duration allowances. Short-term rentals - common in unincorporated communities like Joshua Tree and the Big Bear area - are subject to County Code Section 84.28.070(h), which makes it unlawful for owners, renters, occupants, or guests to make or allow loud, excessive, or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace, expressly including loud music from sound-making or sound-amplifying devices, and the County operates an Outdoor Noise Monitoring System for permitted STRs.