San Francisco, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in San Francisco, CA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Audibility threshold
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Enforcement
- Misdemeanor + DPH admin citation
- Applies to
- Radios, instruments, jukeboxes, PA gear
Summary
Playing amplified music or sound equipment audible 50 feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a prima facie Police Code violation citywide.
The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, juke box, broadcasting equipment, machine, or device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the property line of the property from whence the sound is emitted, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this Section 49.
(c) The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, juke box, broadcasting equipment, machine, or device at any time in such a manner as to cause a noise level in excess of the standards set forth in
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
San Francisco Police Code Section 49 bans operating a radio, phonograph, musical instrument, jukebox, or other amplified sound device in a manner that produces raucous noise or disturbs the peace and quiet of neighbors. Running such a device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so it is plainly audible 50 feet from the property line is prima facie evidence of a violation, as is any amplified sound at any hour that exceeds the Article 29 noise-level standards. This general rule applies city and county-wide, separate from the permit-specific outdoor sound conditions in Article 15.1.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Sec. 49(d), with criminal penalties under Sec. 1060.25(a) and civil penalties under Sec. 1060.25(c); DPH may also issue administrative citations under Admin. Code Ch. 100, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can amplified music be at night in San Francisco?
Does a business permit exempt amplified sound from this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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