Santa Cruz, CA Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Outdoor music falls under the same County framework as amplified sound. SCCC 13.15.040(C) exempts reasonable sounds from authorized school bands and athletic/entertainment events, plus 'occasional noncommercial private outdoor or indoor gatherings and community events,' from the chapter's noise rules, but only when conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or the applicable permitted timeframe) and in compliance with Chapter 8.30 governing offensive noise. Outside that window, or for commercial or larger events, the County General Plan (Policy 9.3.4) authorizes the decision-maker approving a Special Event Permit or amplified-sound permit to impose conditions limiting the maximum noise level, extent, duration, timing, operating hours, frequency, and location of the noise-generating activity, along with monitoring and reporting requirements. Unpermitted outdoor music is measured against the Chapter 8.30 thresholds: by day (8 a.m.-10 p.m.) it is automatically offensive above 75 dB or if discernible 150 feet beyond the property line; at night (10 p.m.-8 a.m.) above 60 dB, within 100 feet of a sleeping area, or discernible 100 feet away. The General Plan stresses that music and speech are often more annoying than other sounds at the same level, so careful planning is advised for outdoor events.