San Jose, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential districts
- 55 dB max at property line
- Commercial near residential
- 55 dB max at property line
- Commercial near commercial
- 60 dB max at property line
- Industrial near residential/industrial
- 55 dB / 70 dB
- Override
- Special use permit required to exceed
Summary
San Jose caps noise at 55 decibels at the property line in residential zones, rising to 60 dB between commercial parcels and 70 dB between industrial parcels, under the zoning code's performance standards.
The sound pressure level generated by any use or combination of uses on a property shall not exceed the decibel levels indicated in Table 20-85 at any property line, except upon issuance and in compliance with a special use permit as provided in Chapter 20.100. Table 20-85 — Maximum Noise Level in Decibels at Property Line: Any residential or non-residential use, 55.
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
San Jose's zoning code sets maximum sound pressure levels at the property line by district. Table 20-85 (Section 20.30.700) caps any use in the R-1, R-2, R-M and R-MH residential districts at 55 dB. Table 20-105 (Section 20.40.600) allows 55 dB where a commercial or PQP use sits next to residentially zoned land, and 60 dB next to other commercial land. Table 20-135 (Section 20.50.300) sets industrial limits at 55 dB adjacent to residential, 60 dB adjacent to commercial, and 70 dB adjacent to other industrial or non-commercial land. A use that would exceed its table limit needs a special use permit under Chapter 20.100.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the applicable decibel table without a special use permit is a zoning performance-standard violation, enforceable by the city as a Title 20 zoning violation; the only lawful way past the cap is a special use permit issued under Chapter 20.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Jose's noise limit at a residential property line?
Does San Jose allow louder noise between industrial properties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle decibel limits.