Do I Need A Permit To Have A Band Play In My Backyard?

A live band can make any house party better, but that doesn’t mean you can host backyard concerts all the time. After all, noise ordinances are fairly strict in most counties and the last thing you want to do is rack up fines. So, do I need a permit to have a band play in my backyard?

You need to obtain a permit to have a band play in your backyard in many counties throughout the United States. Otherwise, you can get fined, and the police may even take you to jail if they charge you with disturbing the peace. Permits aren’t always required, but you should at least tell your neighbors about the live music. 

Research your local noise curfew and noise ordinances to avoid fines and legal trouble. Follow along as we explore everything you need to know before you have a band play in your backyard. 

Can You Have A Band In Your Backyard?

Whether or not you can have a band play in your backyard depends on local ordinances where you live. Some areas require homeowners to pay for permits if they plan to have bands play in their backyard. Other areas may not have this ordinance, but you can’t simply have a band play in your backyard without doing your homework.

For example, you may live in an area with strict noise and curfew ordinances. In that case, you can face fines and penalties if you have a band play in your backyard without permission. However, you can still face trouble if the band is too loud even if permits and permissions aren’t required.

That’s why you must look online and find the local permit requirements and noise ordinances in your area. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

How To Get A Noise Permit For A Party

You don’t need a permit for the average party, but you may need one if you have a band playing in your backyard. In that case, you must call your local community development or code enforcement division to get a permit. They will explain the rules and regulations and issue a permit if they believe one is necessary. 

You can also call the local mayor’s office or research the rules in the county law library. It’s best to apply for a noise permit long before you plan to have a band play at your home. That’s because the county may take a while to approve and issue the permit. 

Keep in mind that noise permits typically come with strict stipulations regarding time and boundaries. For example, you can face penalties if the band plays longer than the noise permit allows or if the party extends past your property. In that case, you may face several fines, and the county won’t likely issue you another noise permit any time soon. 

Should You Tell Your Neighbors About A Loud Party?

You should tell your neighbors you're having a loud party, especially if a band is going to play in your backyard. Some people fail to realize that a live band is typically much louder than playing music through a sound system. That’s because they typically have an acoustic drum kit, loud guitar amplifiers, and PA speakers for the vocals. 

This naturally creates a lot of noise, and your neighbors will most likely hear it. That’s why you must tell your neighbors that you’re planning to have a band play in your backyard. Provide a timeframe and let them know that you plan to be considerate about their comfort and convenience. 

Nobody wants to hear their neighbor’s loud music, but you can soften the blow if you’re polite. Otherwise, you may create an uncomfortable and resentful situation between you and your neighbors. They can also call the police and file a noise complaint that will stick to your record and yield fines. 

Can You Get Arrested For A Noise Complaint?

You can get arrested for a noise complaint in extreme situations. For example, the police may arrest you if you host a large, dangerous party with a live band that affects your neighbor’s well-being. However, the police will most likely visit your home and give you a warning about a noise complaint.

You may get a fine, but that’s much better than getting arrested and having to post bail. The biggest issue is that the police may consider your party disturbing the peace. This is a crime that in many cases, can land you in jail, but that’s not always the case for house parties. 

They will most likely warn you and give you a ticket unless they find evidence of illegal activity. Then they can enter your property if they have probable cause to do so. The best way to avoid this problem is to obtain a permit if need be and speak to your neighbors before the party. 

What Is The Noise Curfew For Parties?

Noise curfews vary based on local laws and are different in many places. However, you’ll find that the noise curfew in many municipalities is 10:00 PM. You also cannot produce loud noise before 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM in most areas without violating a noise ordinance. 

Keep in mind that some places have different noise curfews depending on the time of week and even the season. For example, weekends typically have more lax noise curfews than weekdays. This makes sense, as loud parties on Mondays and Tuesdays can disrupt your neighbors’ school and work schedules. 

It’s a great idea to take your party inside as it approaches 10:00 PM. That way, you won’t give your neighbors a chance to call the police and file a noise complaint. 

Summing It Up

Look online to see if your local county requires homeowners to get permits for loud parties. If not, you should at least tell your neighbors before you have a band play a concert in your backyard. Otherwise, they can file a noise complaint, and you may face fines and penalties. 

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• Can You Have A Party In An Apartment?
• Tips for Hosting A Holiday Party In A Small Apartment