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San Jose, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
SJMC § 6.60.230
Applies to
Permitted public entertainment businesses only
Standard
No disturbing or unreasonably loud noise offsite
Enforcement
Permit suspension/revocation, Chapter 6.02
Excludes
Plain bars with only recorded music

Summary

San Jose nightclubs holding a public entertainment permit must keep noise from carrying beyond the premises to a level that disturbs neighbors, as a binding condition of the permit itself.

The permittee shall prevent noise from emanating beyond the premises of the public entertainment which is disturbing or unreasonably loud to persons on neighboring property.

Source: San Jose Municipal Code Ch. 6.60 - Public Entertainment PermitView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Under San Jose Municipal Code § 6.60.230, part of the entertainment permit chapter, any venue operating as a licensed "public entertainment business", one with dancing, live music, DJ sets or similar activity, alcohol service, and occupancy over 100, must prevent noise from emanating beyond the premises that is disturbing or unreasonably loud to neighboring property. This is a permit condition, not a general noise-decibel limit: violating it is unlawful under § 6.60.200(C) and can trigger permit suspension or revocation. Plain bars, taverns and lounges playing only recorded background music with no other entertainment are expressly excluded from this chapter under § 6.60.030(B), they fall under the city's general noise rules instead, not this permit condition.

Violations & Fines

Unlawful under § 6.60.200(C); grounds for entertainment permit suspension or revocation via the Chapter 6.02 summary suspension process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this noise rule apply to every San Jose bar?
No. It only covers venues licensed as "public entertainment businesses" under Chapter 6.60: those with dancing, live music or similar. Bars playing only recorded background music are exempt under § 6.60.030(B).
What happens if a permitted nightclub violates the noise condition?
It's unlawful under § 6.60.200(C), and the city can suspend or revoke the entertainment permit through the summary suspension procedure in Chapter 6.02.

Sources & Official References

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All San Jose rules

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