Redwood City, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 6 dB above local ambient
- Hours
- 8 p.m.–8 a.m.
- Applies after
- Abatement notice (24.22)
- Code section
- RCC 24.21
Summary
In Redwood City, after a noise-abatement notice, it is unlawful to allow a party or gathering of three or more people to generate noise between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. that exceeds 6 dB above the local ambient level measured in a residential district.
It shall be unlawful for any person, after having been given notice by the enforcement officer pursuant to Section 24.22, to suffer or allow, within twelve (12) consecutive hours following such notice, noise levels to be generated between the hours of eight o'clock (8:00) P.M. and eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. by a party, dance, meeting or other assemblage of three (3) or more persons on any property: At more than six (6) dB above the local ambient measured at any point within a residential district and outside the plane of said property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Redwood City Code section 24.21 sets prohibited noise levels in residential districts. After being given notice by the enforcement officer under section 24.22, it is unlawful for a person, within the next twelve consecutive hours, to suffer or allow noise between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. from a party, dance, meeting, or other assemblage of three or more persons that exceeds six dB above the local ambient measured at any point within a residential district outside the property, or six dB above ambient measured three feet from any wall, floor, or ceiling inside a dwelling unit on the same property.
Violations & Fines
Allowing gathering noise to exceed 6 dB above ambient during nighttime hours after an abatement notice violates Redwood City Code section 24.21.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud is too loud in a Redwood City neighborhood?
Is the limit measured inside or outside?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redwood City
California rules heatmap·Compare Redwood City to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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