Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Santa Clara County must operate under a Conditional Use Permit with noise conditions. ABC licensing and 45 dBA night limits at residential apply.
Commercial entertainment establishments in unincorporated Santa Clara County are uncommon because most dense commercial zoning is within incorporated cities. Where bars or nightclubs exist (notably along older commercial corridors near Stanford and Los Gatos unincorporated islands), they operate under a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission with specific conditions of approval addressing noise. Typical conditions cap amplified music at 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, require closed doors and windows during amplified entertainment, limit outdoor patio hours, and mandate that noise not exceed 45 dBA at the nearest residential property line during nighttime hours. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license is separate and can be suspended for disorderly-house complaints. The Sheriff handles law-enforcement issues while Planning enforces CUP conditions. Repeated violations can trigger a CUP revocation hearing. New establishments must complete CEQA review and a noise impact analysis.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, the County Noise Ordinance (Title B, Division B11, Chapter VIII of the County Ordinance Code) sets exterior noise limit...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, fence height is regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance administered by the Department of Planning and Development. Fe...
Santa Clara County, CA
ALL fireworks - including state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks - are illegal in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The County has banned the sale, posses...
Santa Clara County, CA
Residential pools and spas in unincorporated Santa Clara County are governed by California Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929 (the Pool Sa...
Santa Clara County, CA
Unincorporated Santa Clara County allows movable tiny homes as a substitute for one Accessory Dwelling Unit under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.10.015(E), adopt...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, sheds are regulated as accessory buildings under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.020. A shed whose combined length plus w...
See how Santa Clara County's bar & nightclub noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.