West Covina Outdoor Music Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

West Covina does not have a standalone amplified sound or outdoor music ordinance; instead, outdoor music is regulated through the general noise control provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 15.24. During quiet hours — 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays — any amplified sound that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from its source within or adjacent to a residential zone constitutes a violation, regardless of decibel level. This effectively limits outdoor music, DJ setups, loudspeakers, and sound systems at backyard parties and gatherings.

During daytime hours outside the quiet period, amplified outdoor music must comply with the city's exterior decibel standards. For residential zones, the receiving property baseline is 55 dBA during the day, and no source may exceed this by more than 5 dBA at the property line. Given the typical lot sizes in West Covina's residential neighborhoods, amplified music at moderate volume can easily reach adjacent property lines, making compliance a practical consideration for any outdoor gathering with speakers.

Special events on public property or in parks that involve amplified music or public address systems require a Special Event Permit from the West Covina City Manager's Office. Commercial establishments operating outdoor dining areas, patios, or retail spaces with background music must comply with the applicable commercial zone decibel limits (65 dBA) and may face additional conditions imposed through their conditional use permit. The city has seen increased enforcement activity around outdoor music complaints in neighborhoods adjacent to the West Covina Sportsplex and regional shopping centers where residential and commercial uses are in close proximity.