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University Event Planning Office
Santa Clara University

Outdoor Sound Amplification

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Outdoor Sound Amplification Policy

Santa Clara University encourages recognized student organizations and all other university entities to bring life to the campus through programming, gatherings, and other means. Event reservations and planning takes into consideration the day of the week, time of day, location, impact upon adjacencies, the academic, administrative, and liturgical processes and upon the local neighborhood. 

Events need to be formally requested and approved via the regular business practices of scheduling venues, in a timely manner for all advising and processes to be reviewed. The process for student organizations is by the Center for Student Involvement; non-student entities by the University Event Planning Office; and residence halls by the Office of Residence Life.  The procedural details can be found on their respective websites.

The general hours available for outdoor amplification of sound at Santa Clara University are:

  • Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One PA speaker and one microphone will be allowed outside of these general hours for events on campus with approval from the Event Planning Office. (Submit the Outdoor Sound Amplification Request Form Below).

Outdoor amplification of sound that will exceed (1) PA speaker and/or will extend beyond the approved hours for outdoor amplification requires a City of Santa Clara’s “Outdoor Amplification of Music Permit. *Per Schedule A of the SCCC Section 9.10.040

Outdoor amplification is not permitted Monday through Thursday. No outdoor amplification is allowed during the undergraduate and graduate final exam periods and law school reading period, final exam periods, and commencement. Amplification of music or speech is not permitted in outside areas immediately adjacent to classroom buildings while classes are in session. Some exceptions may be made and will require additional review and approval from The Event Planning Office.

Enforcement:
Noise levels are enforceable by Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) and Campus Safety Services (CSS). SCPD and/or CSS reserve the right to request that the sound be turned down or turned off, or to cancel the event at any time.

(Approved January 2025)

Outdoor Sound Amplification Request Form
City of Santa Clara Sound Amplification Permit Link