City of San Mateo Municipal Code Sec. 7.30.040 caps noise measured on the receiving property: 70 dB anytime in manufacturing zones, and 60 dB daytime, 50 dB nighttime at single-family homes. Data-center chillers and generators must meet the receiving property's limit.
San Mateo's noise ordinance, Chapter 7.30, sets four noise zones. Zone 1, single-family residential, allows 60 dB from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Zone 2, multi-family and mixed residential, allows 60 dB day and 55 dB night. Zone 3, commercial, allows 65 dB day and 60 dB night. Zone 4, manufacturing and industrial, allows 70 dB at any hour. The standard applies for more than 30 minutes in any hour; the standard plus 5 dB applies over 15 minutes, plus 10 dB over 5 minutes, plus 15 dB over 1 minute, and plus 20 dB never. Zoning Code Sec. 27.56.090 adds octave-band limits at M1 district boundaries.
Noise over the Sec. 7.30.040 standards is unlawful and enforced by the City through citations and abatement, and can breach noise conditions attached to a data center's special use permit.
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