Noise Ordinances in San Rafael, CA (2026)
5 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
San Rafael limits construction noise to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, capped at 90 dBA beyond the property line, and bars all construction noise on Sundays and city holidays. Builders must post a jobsite sign listing the hours, and the chief building official can halt work for violations.
San Rafael Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.13.050(A)
Construction. Except as otherwise provided in subsection B of this section, or by the planning commission or city council as part of the development review for the project, on any construction project on property within the city, construction, alteration, demolition, maintenance of construction equipment, deliveries of materials or equipment, or repair activities otherwise allowed under applica...
Leaf Blower Rules
San Rafael limits leaf blower operation to set daily hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on residential weekdays, narrower weekend hours, and slightly longer windows for non-residential property, under a 2022 ordinance.
San Rafael Leaf Blower Operating Hours
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.40.030
it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or authorize, permit, or direct another who engages in the operation of any leaf blower within city limits except during the following hours: Property type Monday to Friday Weekends and Holidays Residential 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Non-residential 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This chapter does not ...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
San Rafael caps sound-generating devices used for indoor or outdoor performances and special events at 80 dBA measured 50 feet from the property line, and bars amplified sound between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. without an event permit.
San Rafael Amplified Sound Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.13.050(C)
...sound-generating devices or instruments used for any indoor or outdoor sound performances, athletic events, and special events shall be permitted, provided they do not exceed a noise level of eighty (80) dBA measured at a distance of not less than fifty feet (50′) from the property plane... the use of any sound-generating device or instrument for such performances or events between the hours...
Aircraft Noise
San Rafael's noise ordinance exempts aviation, railroad, and public transit operations from its dBA limits and curfews, so helicopter flights are not restricted under the city's general noise chapter.
San Rafael Helicopter Noise Exemption
Few RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.13.070(3)
The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1.Aerial warning devices which are required by law to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community; 2.Emergency vehicle responses...; 3.Aviation, railroad, and public transit operations;
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Rafael city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Marin County →