Noise Ordinances in San Rafael, CA (2026)
6 verified noise ordinances for San Rafael, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 sets daytime and nighttime decibel limits enforced under §8.13.040. Daytime is 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; nighttime is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. In residential zones the daytime cap is 60 dBA intermittent / 50 dBA constant and the nighttime cap drops to 50 dBA intermittent / 40 dBA constant.
San Rafael Quiet Hours and General Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 / §8.13.040 — General Noise Limits
Chapter 8.13 of the Code sets limits on noise for daytime and nighttime hours. The Code establishes different levels for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed use areas, as well as different standards for intermittent noise and continuous noise. In the case where two or more noise limits apply, the more restrictive noise limit will take precedence.
Construction Hours
Construction noise is regulated under §8.13.050. Standard commercial construction is allowed Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays and federal holidays (plus the day after Thanksgiving) are prohibited. Homeowner-performed work has a separate window.
San Rafael Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code §8.13.050 (Construction — Prohibited Hours/Days)
Residential power equipment, and construction activities undertaken by residential property owners ... shall be allowed between the hours of eight a.m. (8:00 a.m.) and eight p.m. (8:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, and nine a.m. (9:00 a.m.) and six p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, providing such equipment and/or activities do not produce a noise level that exceeds ninety (90...
Barking Dogs
San Rafael has adopted the Marin County Animal Code by reference under SRMC §6.10.010, which covers barking dogs and other animal noise. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is enforced by Marin Humane and San Rafael Police, with a first offense as an infraction and second offense within one year as a misdemeanor.
San Rafael Barking Dog Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
§19.20.080(4) prohibits the use of amplified sound in city parks and buildings without a permit. Combined with the citywide §8.13 noise limits, this is the main rule for music in public spaces such as Albert Park, Pickleweed Park, and the Civic Center grounds.
San Rafael Park Amplified Sound Restriction
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
§8.13.030 prohibits loud or unusual noises that disturb the peace, comfort, or repose of others. This catch-all complement to the §8.13.040 dBA table covers stereos, parties, and amplified sound that may not always trigger a sound-level reading but still cross a reasonableness threshold.
San Rafael Loud or Unusual Noises
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Vehicle exhaust noise in San Rafael is enforced under California Vehicle Code §27150-27151 (muffler and modification rules) by San Rafael Police. The §8.13.040 general noise limits also cap idling and stationary vehicle noise at residential property lines.
San Rafael Vehicle and Engine Noise
Some RestrictionsLooking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Rafael city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Marin County →