Noise Ordinances in San Francisco, CA (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Noise Quiet Hours in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsBarking 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.
San Francisco Barking Dog Regulations
Some RestrictionsLeaf 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.
Leaf Blower Rules in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified 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.
Amplified Music Rules in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsIndustrial 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.
Industrial Noise Rules in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsDecibel 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.
Decibel Limits in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor 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.