Dublin To Consider Allowing Live Outdoor Music Downtown, Revised Sign Rules

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin City Council will vote Tuesday on two municipal code amendments that will change the way the city looks and sounds.

The first is an amendment to the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance to permit "Outdoor Live Entertainment" in designated downtown areas, which is currently not permitted.

The proposed amendment would define "Outdoor Live Entertainment" to include live music or amplified sound associated with outdoor dining spaces. If approved, these would be allowed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and comply with existing noise regulations. Outdoor entertainment that meets new development standards outlined in the Dublin Municipal Code would be approved with a Zoning Clearance, while more complex proposals would require a Minor Use Permit.

The Dublin Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment, though asked for guidance for businesses to monitor sound levels. In the new draft version, businesses would need to regularly monitor sound levels to ensure compliance with the Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.28's noise regulations.

The changes are intended to promote a livelier downtown. According to a staff report, the city sent out a survey to business owners in 2025 that indicated strong support for outdoor entertainment, particularly on weekends.

The council will also consider an amendment to regulate temporary, non-commercial signs, such as signs for politicians or nonprofits. These are currently permitted for a maximum of 60 days on private property, and must be 16 square feet or smaller. Lots are only allowed to contain 80 total square feet of signage, and signs are banned on the public right-of-way, or within 660 feet of I-580 or I-680.

Under the proposed changes, signs would still be limited to private property, but they would be able to stay up for up to seven days after the end of the event they promote, or 60 days - whichever is sooner. Property owners would need to provide written consent to place the sign on their land, and a sign removal and storage fee would be introduced to cover city costs for handling illegal signs.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval for the new signage rules, according to a staff report.

See here for Tuesday's full agenda, as well as the staff reports and all documents related to these items.