San Leandro, CA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Section 4-1-1115(d) of San Leandro's Noise Ordinance (Article 11, Chapter 4-1, most recently reenacted by Ordinance No. 2024-012) targets amplified sound equipment used in public places. It reaches amplifiers, radio loudspeakers, phonographs, tape amplifiers, and both electronic and acoustic musical instruments or similar devices used to produce sound on any public street, park, or other open area the public can access, whether the property is publicly or privately owned. is unlawful outright, with no need to show anyone was actually disturbed. During the rest of the day the standard shifts to a disturbance test: the equipment cannot be operated in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents or of other people using the same open area.

The subsection expressly exempts events permitted under Chapter 4-20, San Leandro's special-events permit process, so a City-sanctioned concert, festival or farmers-market performance can run amplified sound outside these hours if its permit allows it. even without a Chapter 4-20 permit. A violator can seek a temporary compliance exception of up to six months from the City Manager under Section 4-1-1125, appealable to the City Council, while enforcement of an uncured violation proceeds as a public nuisance abatement under Section 4-1-1130.