Amplified Music & Events: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, 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 Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
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.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Handheld Limit | - | 10 watts maximum |
| Zone 1 Night | - | 50 dB (10 PM–7 AM) |
| Zone 1 Day | - | 60 dB (7 AM–10 PM) |
| Events | - | 80 dB at 50 ft with city approval |
| Code Reference | - | SMMC §7.30.080 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City 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.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I play amplified music outdoors in San Mateo?
Yes, but sound levels must not exceed the limits for your noise zone. Residential Zone 1 limits are 50 dB at night and 60 dB during the day.
Are there wattage limits on speakers?
Handheld amplified equipment cannot exceed 10 watts under SMMC Section 7.30.080.
Can events have louder music?
Approved sound performances and special events may operate at up to 80 dB measured at 50 feet with city authorization.
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