San Jose regulates generator noise under SJMC Chapter 10.16 general noise provisions. Portable and standby generators must not produce noise plainly audible past the property line during nighttime hours (10 PM–7 AM) or exceed 75 dB(A) at the property boundary in residential areas.
Generator noise in San Jose is governed by the general noise provisions of SJMC Chapter 10.16, which prohibits unreasonably loud or excessive noise that disturbs neighborhood peace. Portable generators and permanently installed standby generators in residential zones must not produce noise that is plainly audible past the property line, particularly during nighttime hours between 10 PM and 7 AM. Sound exceeding 75 dB(A) as measured at the property boundary during these hours may result in a citation. The San Jose Zoning Code (Title 20) requires that permanent standby generators be placed in conformance with residential setback requirements and screened from view. Emergency generator operation during power outages is generally exempt from noise restrictions. Construction generators on job sites are regulated separately under construction noise provisions, permitted only 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays within 500 feet of residential units.
Noise citation under SJMC Ch. 10.16. Zoning violation for improper generator placement. Construction noise violations for after-hours generator use on job sites.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
See how San Jose's generator noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.