1. Purpose and Legal Context

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of amplified sound in District parks and facilities to protect public health, safety, and welfare, preserve the quiet enjoyment of District resources, and provide clear expectations for users and staff.

This policy is intended to be consistent with:

2. Definitions

• Amplified sound means any sound projected or transmitted by electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to loudspeakers, PA systems, sound reinforcement systems, DJ equipment, and amplified instruments.
• District parks and facilities mean all indoor and outdoor properties, buildings, and spaces owned, leased, or operated by the District, including but not limited to community centers, fields, plazas, and open space areas.
• Quiet zone means any area of a District park designated by the District as a low-noise or no-amplification area, such as nature preserves, wildlife habitat, or passive recreation areas.
• Event means any programmed activity, gathering, or rental that requires a reservation, permit, or written authorization from the District.
• Responsible party means the individual or organization identified on the permit, reservation, or rental agreement who is accountable for compliance with this policy and related conditions.

3. General Rule and Applicability

• Amplified sound louder than 60 dBA is prohibited in District parks and facilities except as expressly authorized by a District rental agreement or District-sponsored program.
• All authorized amplified sound must comply with applicable:
• Orange County Noise Control Ordinance and Zoning Code exterior noise standards, and
• Nothing in this policy limits the authority of law enforcement or code enforcement officers to enforce city or county noise laws.

4. Hours and Duration

Default hours – outdoor amplified sound

o Allowed only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless modified by permit conditions.

Default hours – indoor amplified sound

o Allowed only between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Duration

o Amplified sound at any single event may not exceed four (4) consecutive hours without prior written approval from the District.

o If a city or county ordinance sets earlier quiet hours or different limits, those stricter hours apply automatically.

5. Location and Use Standards

• Use of amplified sound louder than 60 dBA in any District park or outdoor area requires a District permission and is limited to specific locations designated or approved by the District (e.g., amphitheaters, event lawns, picnic areas identified for amplified use).
• Indoor amplified sound must be contained within the rented room or facility; doors and windows should remain closed while amplification is in use, to the extent feasible, to reduce off-site noise impacts.
• The District may require:

o Speaker orientation away from adjacent residences,

o Use of sound limiters, and

o Specific stage or equipment placement to reduce noise impacts on neighbors.

6. Sound Level and Compliance with Local Codes

• Amplified sound levels in District parks and facilities shall not exceed the applicable maximum exterior noise levels at the property line for the underlying zoning district, as established in the Orange County Noise Code or relevant city ordinance and should never be more than 90 dBA at park boundaries.
• The District reserves the right to impose more restrictive internal limits than those contained in city or county codes when warranted by site conditions, event history, or community input.
• For larger or higher-impact events, the District may require the responsible party to:

o Provide a sound management plan, and/or

o Pay for on-site sound monitoring or noise control measures identified by the District.

7. Permits, Rentals, and Conditions

• A rental agreement authorizing amplified sound is required for any event using amplified sound louder than 60 dBA in outdoor areas and for any indoor event that is open to the public or involves significant amplification (e.g., DJs, bands, large PA systems).
• The rental agreement must include a description of amplified sound (type of content and equipment)
• The District may deny, condition, or revoke authorization for amplified sound if:

o The event cannot reasonably comply with applicable noise regulations,

o There are documented prior violations or complaints, or

o The event conflicts with District programming or resource protection.

8. Indoor Facility–Specific Rules

For community centers and other indoor rentals:

• Amplified sound must be at a volume that does not interfere with other programmed uses within the building or adjacent facilities and does not result in violations of applicable noise limits at the property line.
• District staff may require immediate volume reduction or termination of amplified sound based on reasonable judgment regarding disruption or complaints.
• The responsible party must ensure that all DJs, bands, and speakers understand and comply with District directives regarding sound levels and hours.

9. Outdoor Park–Specific Rules

• Personal portable speakers used by individuals or small groups must be kept at a level that does not unreasonably disturb other park users or adjacent neighbors, as determined by District staff or law enforcement, and never louder than 60 dBA.
• Other outdoor amplified sound is permitted only:

o At locations designated by the District for amplified activities, and

o When expressly authorized in a District rental agreement.

10. Enforcement, Remedies, and Relationship to City/County Enforcement

• District staff are authorized to:

o Direct any person or permit holder to reduce volume, reposition equipment, or cease amplified sound to achieve compliance with this policy or applicable law, and

o Terminate amplified sound or revoke permits/rentals for continued noncompliance.

• Violations may result in:

o Immediate termination of amplified sound,

o Loss or reduction of deposits and fees, and

o Denial of future permits or rentals for a specified period.

• This policy does not limit the authority of city or county law enforcement, code enforcement, or park rangers to enforce municipal or county noise ordinances, which may carry additional penalties.

11. Administrative Procedures

These procedures may be updated administratively to reflect changes in local law, technology, and community expectations, without a formal Board policy amendment, provided they remain consistent with this policy.