Sound Policy

Last updated April 2025

Simplified Summary

Amplified, projected or otherwise man-made noise or music shall be permitted between the hours of 10am and 12am, unless approved by the Sound Coordinator for 24 hour sound.

Beginning at 2:01 am, all subwoofers (any device capable of emitting sound below 100HZ) shall be turned off and all sound shall be no louder than 90db(A) at a distance of 100’ from the source of the sound, or at the Access Area boundary, if the boundary is closer than 50’ to the source when measured with a national commercially accepted Sound Level Meter or SLM (Type S2A).

The FirePony Creative Society Board of Directors has ultimate authority to turn down or off any and all sound as deemed necessary for the security of the event.

I. Purpose

Once upon a time, we were far enough away from the rest of the world that we were provided some insulation from worrying about how our event impacted the community around us.

Over time Playa del Fuego has found itself with a variety of neighbors who have a variety of tolerance levels for sound playing 24 hours a day.

PDF has joined the list of regional events that are trying different measures and sound policies in order to find the right balance between the needs of the Burners who come to PDF and the community around the event.

The Playa del Fuego (PDF) Sound Policy is intended to protect the longevity of PDF events by establishing standards for the control of noise pollution extending beyond the boundaries of said events.

II. Scope

This policy applies to any individual, group, instrument, or device (instrument, installation, speaker system, generator, etc.) producing audible or sub-audible sound within and during a PDF event.

III. Restrictions

All sound at PDF events shall be limited to a predetermined decibel (dB) level, measured at 100’ from the source of the sound.
- 90dB(A) @ 100 ft.
- Subwoofers must be turned off by 2:01 AM
- No amplified sound 30 minutes prior to the effigy burn event and during the duration of that event until the all clear is given by the Fire Safety Team .
- All generators must be baffled while being used.
The use of electronically amplified sound between the hours of 12 AM and 10 AM shall only be permitted to those approved by the Sound Coordinator and/or Sound Committee prior to the event through the Sound Camp Application on the PDF Website.
A Sound Sponsor must remain within earshot while amplified sound is being used. If no Sound Sponsor is available, the amplified sound must be turned off.
The use of subwoofers, woofers, or any device capable of producing sound at or below 100Hz is not permitted between the hours of 2 AM and 10 AM
Open camping areas are designated as Quieter Camping. The use of generators, loud musical instruments (horns, drums, etc.), or any other disruptive sound generation is not permitted between the hours of 12 AM and 10 AM.

IV. Extreme Sound Policy

Special considerations are given for extreme sound levels and “burst noises” (e.g., fireworks, cannon shots). These sounds can cause instant hearing damage at certain levels and need to be addressed carefully.

Sounds above 100 dB at the source must be indicated during the application process for theme camps or art grants.
Sounds above 120 dB at the source require a meeting between the applicant, sound coordinator, and city planning to discuss safety and placement.
Burst noises also require a specific meeting between the applicant, sound coordinator, and city planning. All burst noise is prohibited after midnight.
Time Restrictions: All burst noises and sounds above 120 dB at the source may only be used during agreed-upon times. Applicants must provide their desired times, which must be specified in the What, Where, When guide. This ensures participants can make informed decisions and opt out of areas during these times.
Safety Precautions: Providers offering extreme sound experiences must ensure that hearing protection is available to participants. Additionally, sound sources above 120 dB at source require additional perimeter safety measures.
The standard sound policy will always take precedence over the extreme sound policy.

V. Roles

Sound Coordinator

The Sound Coordinator and/or Sound Patrol is responsible for PDF wide-compliance with the Sound Policy and has the authority to turn down or off any and all sound as deemed necessary, with deference to members of the BOD, or to a quorum of the BOD if the Sound Coordinator is a member of the BOD.

The FirePony Creative Society Board of Directors (BOD)

The FPCS BOD has ultimate authority to turn down or off any and all sound as deemed necessary for the security of the event.

Sound Patrol

The Sound Patrol are volunteers tasked with enforcement of the above restrictions during a PDF event with the authority to temporarily turn down any sound causing a perceived violation of the sound policy, reporting as necessary to the Sound Coordinator for further intervention or policy dispute resolution.

Sound Sponsors

Camp Leaders, individuals designated by a Camp Leader, or an individual bringing amplified sound to a PDF event responsible for sound levels generated by their sound system who will remain readily available within earshot of said system while it is in use.

PDF Attendees

Any attendee of a PDF event who perceives a violation of the Sound Policy from an individual or camp may invoke “The Sound Rule,” as described in the Procedures section below.

VI. Procedures

Amplified Sound Approval

Any camp or individual who wishes to have amplified sound between the hours of 12 AM and 10 AM must apply through the Sound Camp Application form on the PDF Web Page before the Theme Camp Placement deadline.

The Sound Coordinator and their designees may limit the number of approved applications as they see fit.

The Sound Rule

Anyone who suspects another individual or camp is in violation of the Sound Policy and may pose as a disturbance to the event’s neighbors or attendees may approach them calmly and neighborly with their concern in a good faith effort to find a solution.

If a solution or compromise can not be reached, please report the issue to the Sound Patrol, Sound Coordinator, FPCS BOD member, or Ranger (such that they may contact the responsible parties by radio) as quickly as possible.

VII. Enforcement

Individuals and Camps are required to comply with any Turn-Down or Turn-Off order as made by a member of the Sound Patrol, the Sound Coordinator, or a member of the FPCS BOD.

This order may be made for any reason from Sound Policy violations to formal complaints lodged against the event from local residents or county officials.

VIII. Sanctions

Sanctions for violations of the Sound Policy may include, but are not limited to:

turn-down or turn-off orders lasting anywhere up to the remainder of the event
removal of the offending sound source from the event
prohibition of the sound source from future events, or
immediate eviction of one or more individuals

…as deemed necessary by the FPCS BOD.

IX. Reporting Incidents

Sound-related incidents at Playa Del Fuego can be submitted through the FirePony Creative Society Conduct Incident Reporting Form.