Amplified Music & Events: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Municipal Code Section 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 Daly City, at any hour.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Amplified music in unincorporated San Mateo County is regulated by County Code Chapter 4.88: it must stay within the exterior dBA limits of Section 4.88.330 and must not be unreasonably loud under the General Noise Regulation (4.88.350). There is no separate county amplified-sound permit chapter in the noise code itself.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Permit issuer | Chief of police | - |
| Applies to | Any sound projected outdoors citywide | - |
| Permit contents | Name, purpose, time, place, end date | - |
| Nighttime limit | No audible sound off-property 10pm-6am | - |
| Governing chapter | - | County Code Chapter 4.88 |
| Exterior limits | - | Section 4.88.330 (Table I) |
| Nuisance standard | - | Section 4.88.350 |
| Daytime / nighttime | - | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. / 10 p.m.-7 a.m. |
| Enforcement | - | Sheriff / Code Enforcement (650) 363-4825 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a permit for outdoor speakers at an event in Daly City?
Yes. Section 9.22.020 requires a written permit from the chief of police before any loudspeaker or amplifier projects sound outside a building or outdoors anywhere in the city.
Can I play amplified music in my backyard at night?
No. Beyond the daytime permit requirement, Section 9.22.030 prohibits any music or sound audible beyond your property between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
South San Francisco FAQ
Is there a separate amplified-sound permit in unincorporated San Mateo County?
The County noise code (Chapter 4.88) does not contain a standalone amplified-sound permit section; amplified music is judged against the exterior dBA limits in 4.88.330 and the nuisance standard in 4.88.350.
When does amplified music become a violation?
When it exceeds the Table I exterior limits in 4.88.330 for the relevant time period, or qualifies as unreasonably loud noise disturbing the peace under 4.88.350.
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