Pasadena regulates amplified sound under PMC Sections 9.36.150-9.36.160. Sound amplifying equipment is prohibited 10 PM to 8 AM Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays and holidays for commercial use. Amplified music on private property cannot exceed 15 dB above ambient. Equipment prohibited within 200 feet of churches, schools, and hospitals without written consent.
Pasadena Municipal Code Section 9.36.150 regulates sound amplifying equipment on private property, limiting amplified music to no more than 15 decibels above the ambient noise level when measured at the outside property line. Section 9.36.160 addresses amplified sound on public property. Sound amplifying equipment operation for commercial purposes is restricted to 8 AM through 10 PM Monday through Saturday and is not permitted on Sundays or legal holidays. No amplified sound may be operated within 200 feet of churches, schools, hospitals, or city or county buildings unless written consent has been given. Permits may be required for amplified sound at special events. The Old Pasadena and Playhouse District entertainment areas may have separate event permits with conditions on amplification levels.
Misdemeanor citation. Equipment may be confiscated. Events shut down for non-compliance. Fines up to $1,000.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena restricts overnight street parking in certain posted areas. Vehicles left on public streets for 72+ hours may be cited as abandoned per CA Vehicle C...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena has extensive metered and permit parking. Vehicles may not remain parked in one spot on a public street for more than 72 hours. Residential permit p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena requires EV-ready infrastructure in new construction per California Green Building Standards (CALGreen). Pasadena Water & Power offers EV charging p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clea...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena allows recreational fire pits in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits are sub...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debri...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor music.
See how Pasadena'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.