Simplified Summary
Theme Camps that wish to play music or sounds louder than conversation level overnight must apply thru the Sound Camp Application. Anyone else, including Theme Camps not approved for overnight sound, must keep sound to conversation level between midnight and 10am. No low frequency sound can be made between the hours of 2am and 10am. Sound Patrol volunteers can measure sound levels to make sure people are following rules and to solve disputes. The Board of Directors has the final say on turning down or off sound.
Last updated March 2026
Quick Reference Chart
| Camp Type | Hours for Amplified Sound | Maximum Volume | Subwoofers | Overnight Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Camps | 24 hours | 90 dB(C) at camp boundary or 100 ft | Allowed | Allowed |
| Theme Camps | 10:00am to 12:00am | 75 dB(A) at camp boundary | Not permitted | Conversation level only |
| Open Camping | 10:00am to 12:00am | 75 dB(A) at camp boundary | Not permitted | No amplified sound |
Low Frequency Restrictions
Sound at or below 100 Hz is prohibited during restricted hours.
Restricted hours:
- 2:01am to 10:00am Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights
- 3:01am to 10:00am Saturday night
I. Purpose
Playa del Fuego exists within a broader community that includes neighboring residents with varying levels of tolerance for extended sound.
As the event has grown and the surrounding environment has changed, it has become necessary to establish clear sound standards that balance participant experience with respect for surrounding communities.
This Sound Policy protects the long-term viability of Playa del Fuego by minimizing noise impacts beyond event boundaries while preserving the musical, creative, and communal culture of the event.
Sound camps and installations are encouraged to orient speaker systems toward the interior of the event and away from neighboring properties whenever possible.
II. Scope
This policy applies to any individual, group, camp, vehicle, installation, instrument, or device producing audible or sub-audible sound during Playa del Fuego.
This includes:
- Speaker systems
- Musical instruments
- Vehicles with sound systems
- Art installations
- Generators
- Portable amplified sound systems
The Sound Policy is evaluated annually to ensure alignment with community needs, event growth, safety considerations, and evolving best practices.
III. Camp Sound Categories
Sound Camps
Sound Camps are camps approved to operate amplified music systems, dance venues, or large sound installations.
Sound Camps may operate amplified sound 24 hours per day, subject to the limits outlined below.
Approval as a Sound Camp requires submission of a Sound Camp Application prior to the Theme Camp Placement deadline.
Theme Camps
Theme Camps provide programming, hospitality, gatherings, art, or interactive experiences.
Theme Camps may operate moderate amplified sound but are not intended to function as dance venues or large music camps.
Amplified sound is permitted:
10:00am to 12:00am
Between 12:00am and 10:00am, amplified sound must remain at conversation level only.
Theme Camps wishing to operate amplified music overnight above conversation level must apply separately as a Sound Camp.
Open Camping
Open Camping areas are designated as Quieter Camping zones intended for personal camping and rest.
Amplified sound is permitted:
10:00am to 12:00am
Between 12:00am and 10:00am, Open Camping must remain free of amplified sound and disruptive noise.
Generators are not permitted during these hours unless medically necessary.
IV. Maximum Volume Limits
Sound Camps
Amplified sound produced by Sound Camps must not exceed:
90 dB(C) measured at the camp boundary in the primary direction of sound projection, or at 100 feet from the sound source if the boundary is farther away.
Low frequency sound at or below 100 Hz is prohibited during restricted hours.
Restricted hours:
- 2:01am to 10:00am Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights
- 3:01am to 10:00am Saturday night
During these hours, sound camps must reduce system output or adjust equalization to eliminate low frequency energy below 100 Hz.
Theme Camps
Amplified sound produced by Theme Camps must not exceed:
75 dB(A) measured at the camp boundary in the primary direction of sound projection.
Theme Camps may not use:
- Dedicated powered subwoofers
- Bass reinforcement systems
Low frequency sound at or below 100 Hz is prohibited during restricted hours.
Restricted hours:
- 2:01am to 10:00am Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights
- 3:01am to 10:00am Saturday night
Open Camping
Amplified sound produced in Open Camping must not exceed:
75 dB(A) measured at the camp boundary in the primary direction of sound projection.
The following are not permitted in Open Camping:
- Dedicated powered subwoofers
- Bass reinforcement systems
V. Monitoring Requirements
All camps and participants operating amplified sound must:
- Maintain a designated Sound Sponsor within earshot of the system
- Monitor sound levels regularly during operation
- Respond immediately to any turn-down or turn-off directive
If a Sound Sponsor is not available, amplified sound must be turned off.
All approved sound camps must:
- Maintain a functional SPL meter on site
- Use equalization to reduce or eliminate bass frequencies during restricted hours
- Monitor output regularly during operation
- Comply immediately with any turn-down or turn-off directive given by approved parties
VI. Measurement Authority
All sound measurements used for enforcement will be taken by Sound Patrol using their equipment and methodology.
These measurements are considered final for purposes of determining compliance with this policy.
VII. Camp Boundary Definition
For measurement purposes, the camp boundary is defined as the outer edge of the camp’s assigned placement area in the direction of sound projection.
VIII. Burn Events
No amplified sound is permitted 30 minutes prior to and during the Effigy Burn or Temple Burn until the Fire Safety Team gives the all-clear.
IX. Generators
All generators must be properly baffled while in use. Operating generators is not permitted in Open Camping during the hours of 12:00am and 10:00am,unless medically necessary.
X. Extreme Sound Policy
Special consideration is given for extreme sound levels and burst noise events.
Extreme sound includes:
- Sustained sound above 100 dB(C) at the source
- Any sound above 120 dB at the source
- Burst noise such as fireworks or explosive effects
Application Requirements
Any party planning to produce sound above 100 dB(C) at the source must submit a Sound Camp Application.
Sound expected to exceed 120 dB or involve burst noise requires a planning meeting with:
- The applicant
- The Sound Coordinator
- City Planning
Time Restrictions
Burst noise is prohibited after 12:00am.Sounds above 120 dB may only occur during approved time windows listed in the Events guide.
IX. Roles
Sound Coordinator
Responsible for event-wide coordination and compliance with the Sound Policy.
The FirePony Creative Society Board of Directors (BOD)
Retains ultimate authority to turn down or turn off any sound as necessary for event safety or compliance.
Sound Patrol
Sound Patrol volunteers monitor sound levels and may issue turn-down directives when violations occur.
Sound Sponsors
Camp leaders or designated individuals responsible for monitoring sound systems while operating.
PDF Attendees
Any attendee who perceives a violation of the Sound Policy may invoke The Sound Rule.
XII. Enforcement
Individuals and camps must comply with any Turn-Down or Turn-Off order issued by:
- Sound Patrol
- The Sound Coordinator
- The FPCS Board
Orders may be issued due to sound violations or complaints from local residents or officials.
XIII. Sanctions
Sanctions may include:
- Turn-down orders
- Removal of sound equipment
- Prohibition from future events
- Immediate eviction from the event
Sanctions are determined by the FPCS Board.
IX. Reporting Incidents
Sound-related incidents at Playa Del Fuego can be submitted through the FirePony Creative Society Conduct Incident Reporting Form.