Outdoor Music: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do outdoor music rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City Municipal Code § 9.22.020 requires a written permit from the Chief of Police BEFORE operating any loudspeaker or sound amplifier that projects sound outside a building or outdoors anywhere in the city. The permit must state the permittee, authorized purpose, time/place, and termination date. Operating outdoor amplification without this permit is a prosecutable offense.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
No data available yet for San Mateo.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Permit requirement | Yes — § 9.22.020, Chief of Police, in writing | - |
| Permit must specify | Permittee, purpose, time/place, termination date | - |
| Nighttime cutoff | 10 p.m. (§ 9.22.030 audibility rule) | - |
| Loud-gathering fine | $1,500 / $2,000 / $53,000 (§ 9.23.030) | - |
| Cost recovery | Police response cost billed to host (§ 9.23.030(b)) | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard wedding DJ in Daly City?
Yes if amplified sound projects outdoors. § 9.22.020 requires a written permit from the Chief of Police BEFORE any outdoor loudspeaker/amplifier operation, regardless of event type.
Can a restaurant play music on its patio?
Only with a § 9.22.020 permit. The permit must specify the time/place and termination date. After 10 p.m., even permitted sound must not be audible across the property line under § 9.22.030.
What if I host a loud party with alcohol and minors?
Chapter 9.23 applies. First violation: $1,500 civil citation. Second: $2,000. Third: $53,000. Plus cost recovery for police, fire, and ambulance response. The host and parents/guardians of any juvenile organizer are jointly liable.
San Mateo FAQ
No FAQs available.
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