Thousand Oaks Outdoor Music Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Thousand Oaks is a predominantly residential suburban city in the Conejo Valley, and its approach to outdoor amplified music reflects this character. Under Municipal Code Chapter 8.45, any amplified sound source — including outdoor speakers, live bands, DJ systems, and public address systems — must comply with the applicable zone's exterior noise limits. In residential zones, this means 55 dBA at the property line during daytime hours and 45 dBA at night. Because music and speech content can trigger the effective 5 dB correction, the practical nighttime limit for identifiable music crossing into a residential area may effectively be as low as 40 dBA, which is quite restrictive.

For commercial entertainment venues such as restaurants, event spaces, and retail centers — including the Janss Marketplace and The Oaks mall area — outdoor amplified entertainment must comply with the 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime commercial thresholds. The city's Planning Commission and Community Development Department may impose specific operational conditions on use permits for establishments operating outdoor entertainment, which can include requirements for sound walls or barriers, maximum speaker orientation angles, amplification cutoff times, and monitoring obligations. Special events with outdoor amplified sound on public property or in public parks require a Special Event Permit from the city.

Private residential gatherings — backyard parties, neighborhood events, and similar activities — are permitted with amplified music during daytime hours provided the 55 dBA limit at neighboring property lines is respected. After 10 PM, the 45 dBA nighttime limit effectively requires that amplification be substantially reduced or eliminated in most suburban residential settings. The Thousand Oaks Police Department responds to noise complaints and may issue warnings or citations. Repeat complaints at the same location may be escalated to Code Enforcement for administrative follow-up.