How San Francisco Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
San Francisco maintains 203 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Francisco falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Outdoor Music
Outdoor amplified music in San Francisco requires an Entertainment Commission Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit and must comply with Police Code Article 29 decibel limits. Block parties, festivals, and restaurant patios all need permits, with strict cutoff times of 10 p.m. weekdays.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://sf.gov/departments/entertainment-commission) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its outdoor music requirements.
Decibel Limits
San Francisco Police Code Section 2909 sets specific dBA limits at the property line: 55 daytime and 50 nighttime in residential zones, scaling up to 70/65 in heavy industrial. Any source exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA is a violation.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_police/0-0-0-25965) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Francisco's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Industrial Noise
Industrial noise in San Francisco is capped at 65-70 dBA at the property line under Police Code Article 29 and must not exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA. Fixed mechanical equipment, HVAC, and industrial operations are subject to stricter nighttime limits.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_police/0-0-0-25965) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Compared to other cities, San Francisco takes a harder line on industrial noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Leaf Blower Rules
San Francisco restricts gas-powered leaf blowers under Police Code Article 29 and state AB 1346, which bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines statewide. SF Public Works and contractors have transitioned to electric blowers, and noise from any blower must comply with the SF Noise Ordinance decibel limits.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_police/0-0-0-25965) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its leaf blower rules requirements.
Amplified Music & Events
San Francisco Police Code Article 29 governs amplified music, setting fixed decibel limits at property lines and requiring Entertainment Commission permits for commercial venues. Residential amplified sound audible 50 feet from the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is presumed a violation.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [San Francisco code enforcement](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_police/0-0-0-25965) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Francisco actively enforces its amplified music & events requirements.
Quiet Hours
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Section 2909 sets a fixed-source interior limit of 45 dBA at night and 55 dBA during the day inside residential sleeping or living rooms. Outdoor residential noise from machines, devices, music, or entertainment cannot exceed the local ambient by more than 5 dBA at the property line. Construction noise generally cannot exceed 80 dBA at 100 feet (Sec. 2907) and is restricted between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. without a special permit. Report violations to SFPD non-emergency at (415) 553-0123.
Key details: Code Citation: Police Code Art. 29 (Sec. 2900-2920). Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.. Interior Night Limit: 45 dBA (Sec. 2909). Interior Day Limit: 55 dBA (Sec. 2909). Outdoor Residential: 5 dBA above ambient.
Violations of Article 29 are infractions on first offense and misdemeanors on subsequent offenses, with administrative penalties available under Section 2918. Continuing violations are each a separate offense per day. The Director of Public Health may issue notices of violation, abatement orders, and citations. SFPD may cite under Penal Code 415 for disturbing the peace. Construction without a required Night Noise Permit can result in stop-work orders from the Department of Public Works.
Barking Dogs
San Francisco Health Code §41 defines a 'barking dog' as one that barks continuously for 10 minutes disturbing another person. Two unrelated residents within 300 feet may sign an affidavit requesting a police citation. Fines up to $500. Owner has a duty to abate the nuisance under §41.12.
Key details: Definition: Continuous barking 10+ minutes. Filing Requirement: 2 unrelated neighbors within 300 ft. Fine: Up to $500. Code: Health Code §41, §41.12.
Fine up to $500; potential misdemeanor for severe or repeated violations. §41.13 covers penalties.
The Bottom Line
San Francisco is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Francisco, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that San Francisco can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.