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

Imperial County regulates outdoor music in unincorporated areas through several provisions of Title 9, Division 7. Section 90703.00(B) makes it unlawful to operate a radio, phonograph, television set or other sound production or reproduction device in a public park, on a public beach, or in a public parking lot or street adjacent to such park or beach, without the prior written approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation, in a manner that emits a sound level exceeding 60 dB at any point 50 feet or more from the source. The same subsection caps such public-area playback at 60 CNEL. For private property and general outdoor amplified music, Section 90703.02(B) prohibits operating sound devices and instruments so as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of a reasonable person in any residential or public area, with operation plainly audible at 50 feet between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. treated as prima facie evidence of a violation. Outdoor music must also stay within the one-hour average sound-level limits of Section 90702.00 at the property line (for example, 50 dB by day in R-1 zones). Participants in a duly licensed parade or persons otherwise authorized by the County are excepted. Larger outdoor events typically require permits that set their own noise conditions. Complaints in unincorporated communities are handled by Code Enforcement and the Sheriff.