Amplified Music & Events: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do amplified music & events rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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