Noise Ordinance

Noise-Ordinance

The City of Hollywood Code Compliance and the Hollywood Police Department began enforcement of the new Noise Ordinance rules for residents and businesses that went into effect on May 1, 2021, The City has an existing noise ordinance, however after a strong desire from residents, staff has created an additional method of measuring noise volume and enforcing noise violations. 

The ordinance states, in part: 

  • It shall be unlawful for any person or business to cause or permit to originate for the real property the person or the business any sound which crosses a property line at a volume which is unreasonably loud.
  • No person shall make, continue or cause to be made or continued any sound disturbances that violate the noise limitations as defined in the ordinance.
  • Sound measurements shall be made with a sound level meter to provide a proper representation of the sound source. Measurements shall be made at or beyond the real property line of the property on which the sound is generated, or perceived, as appropriate, approximately five feet above ground.   
noise level scale

NOISE REQUIREMENTS - Residential and Nonresidential Properties

Residential Property - 7:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m.

  • no person shall make, cause, allow, or permit the operation of any continuous source of sound when measured at or beyond the real property line a level that exceeds 65 dBA or 65 dBC

Residential Property - 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

  • no person shall make, cause, allow, or permit the operation of any continuous source of sound when measured at or beyond the real property line a level that exceeds 55 dBA or 55 dBC

Nonresidential Property

- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday

- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday

  • a continuous source of sound when measured at or beyond the real property line is not allowed to exceed 80 dBA or 80 dBC

Nonresidential Property

- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Sunday night/Monday morning through Thursday night/Friday morning

- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning

  • a continuous source of sound when measured at or beyond the real property line is not allowed to exceed 75 dBA or 75 dBC

Public Property

No person shall on any public street or sidewalk, park, beach or other public property, or in any motor vehicle located on any public street or property, use, operate or play any radio, phonograph, stereo set, tape or CD player, television, sound amplifier, musical instrument, or other device which produces or reproduces sound, at a level which interferes with a person’s peaceful enjoyment or the peace and tranquility of the surrounding area at a distance more than 30 feet from the sound source.

Vacation Rental Property

Vacation rental properties must be equipped with a noise level detection device and have a statement posted at the property advising the occupant that the volume of noise generated is limited by the City Noise Ordinance. Please visit the Vacation Rental webpage for more specific information regarding vacation rental regulations. 

Noise Level Detection Device Required for Nonresidential Establishments City-wide

  • Any nonresidential establishment from which amplified musical entertainment, whether live or recorded, emanates shall be equipped with a noise level detection device alerting the occupants of the property to the noise.

Enforcement and Penalties

The first violation of this chapter may be subject to a fine of $100; a second violation occurring within six months may be subject to a fine of $500; and a third and any subsequent violations within a six month period may be subject to a fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Extended hours licenses could be denied, closing hours could be adjusted, and additional violations could be set for a special magistrate hearing.

Decibel Level Readers

Sound level meters are available to consumers for use on their smartphones from the App Store and Google Play Both free and paid apps are available.