Outdoor amplified music in San Clemente is regulated as commercial amplified sound under SCMC §17.24.055 (permit required, banned in residential zones) or allowed at events under a Special Event or Temporary Use Permit exemption in SCMC §8.48.090(B).
Casting amplified sound onto public streets is prohibited under §8.48.070(C) except as permitted by §17.24.055 (commercial amplified sound) or under a Special Event Permit, Temporary Use Permit or other City approval. Under §8.48.090(B), outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, amplified-sound uses and entertainment events conducted pursuant to such permits are exempt from Chapter 8.48. Park and playground activities on public property are exempt only if they do not use amplified sound or exceed 80 dB(A), unless a special event permit is issued (§8.48.090(C)). Permanent commercial outdoor music at a business requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit, which cannot be issued in residential zones and imposes C-weighted dB(C) limits and hour conditions (§17.24.055).
Outdoor amplified music without the required Minor CUP or event permit violates §8.48.070(C) and/or §17.24.055 and is enforceable under SCMC §1.16.010 (misdemeanor up to $1,000/six months, or infraction $100/$200/$500), with administrative fines, permit revocation, and each day a separate offense.
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