Outdoor Music: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do outdoor music 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
Outdoor music in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with the exterior decibel limits in County Code 4.88.330 and must not be unreasonably loud under 4.88.350. The County noise code has no special outdoor-music exemption, so evening and late-night events face the stricter 10 p.m.-7 a.m. nighttime limits.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Outdoor music in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with the exterior decibel limits in County Code 4.88.330 and must not be unreasonably loud under 4.88.350. The County noise code has no special outdoor-music exemption, so evening and late-night events face the stricter 10 p.m.-7 a.m. nighttime limits.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Governing chapter | County Code Chapter 4.88 | County Code Chapter 4.88 |
| Exterior limits | Section 4.88.330 (Table I) | Section 4.88.330 (Table I) |
| Nuisance standard | Section 4.88.350 | Section 4.88.350 |
| Special outdoor-music exemption | None in noise code | None in noise code |
| Nighttime threshold | Stricter after 10:00 p.m. | Stricter after 10:00 p.m. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Can I host an outdoor concert past 10 p.m. in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Music can continue, but after 10:00 p.m. it must meet the lower nighttime exterior limits in 4.88.330 and not be unreasonably loud under 4.88.350 - thresholds amplified music usually cannot satisfy near homes.
Is there a noise exemption for outdoor parties?
The County noise code does not include a special exemption for parties or outdoor music; the standard Table I limits and the general nuisance rule apply.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I host an outdoor concert past 10 p.m. in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Music can continue, but after 10:00 p.m. it must meet the lower nighttime exterior limits in 4.88.330 and not be unreasonably loud under 4.88.350 - thresholds amplified music usually cannot satisfy near homes.
Is there a noise exemption for outdoor parties?
The County noise code does not include a special exemption for parties or outdoor music; the standard Table I limits and the general nuisance rule apply.
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