Outdoor Music: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do outdoor music 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
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 →South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
South San Francisco 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.
Compare other topics
See how San Mateo and South San Francisco compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool