Noise Ordinances in San Mateo, CA (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
San Mateo's noise ordinance (SMMC Ch. 7.30) uses a tiered time-based decibel standard. Nighttime limits are stricter than daytime. Pool equipment exceeding 35 dBA must be 25 feet from neighbors or enclosed.
City of San Mateo Quiet Hours & Noise Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction Hours
San Mateo limits permitted construction to 7 AM–7 PM weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM Saturdays, and noon–4 PM Sundays/holidays. Equipment cannot exceed 90 dB at 25 feet. Both the noise ordinance (§7.30.060) and building code (§23.06.060) apply.
City of San Mateo Construction Hours
Heavy RestrictionsBarking Dogs
San Mateo prohibits nuisance barking under the city's noise ordinance and animal control provisions. Owners must prevent habitual barking that disturbs neighbors. Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA handles animal complaints.
City of San Mateo Barking Dog Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
San Mateo specifically regulates leaf blower operation under Chapter 10.80 in addition to the general noise ordinance. Leaf blowers must comply with both the noise standards in Chapter 7.30 and the specific provisions of Chapter 10.80. Operation is limited to construction-permitted hours.
San Mateo Leaf Blower Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCal. AB 1346 (2021) — Small Off-Road Engines (Gas Leaf Blower Phase-Out)
Existing law imposes various limitations on the emissions of air contaminants for the control of air pollution from vehicular and nonvehicular sources. [...] This bill would require the state board, by July 1, 2022, consistent with federal law, to adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, a...
Amplified Music & Events
San Mateo regulates amplified sound under SMMC Section 7.30.080. Handheld amplified sound equipment cannot exceed 10 watts. All amplified sound must comply with the maximum permissible sound levels in Section 7.30.040. Residential Noise Zone 1 limits are 50 dB at night and 60 dB during the day.
San Mateo Amplified Sound Regulations
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
San Mateo experiences aircraft noise from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 3 miles north. The city cannot restrict FAA-controlled flight operations. SFO's noise monitoring program tracks noise levels and accepts complaints. New development within noise contours requires sound insulation.
San Mateo Aircraft Noise — SFO Proximity
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial and commercial noise in San Mateo is regulated by the noise ordinance Chapter 7.30, which sets maximum permissible sound levels by noise zone. Noise Zone 3 (commercial) allows 60 dB at night and 65 dB during the day. Zone 4 (industrial) allows 70 dB at all times.
San Mateo Industrial & Commercial Noise Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Noise Ordinances in San Mateo County →