San Jose enforces numeric decibel limits under Municipal Code Chapter 20.100, with residential zones capped at 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime measured at the receiving property line. Commercial and industrial zones carry higher ceilings. Exceedances of 5 dBA for any 15-minute period trigger violation, and sustained exceedances prompt Code Enforcement action.
The San Jose Noise Ordinance establishes exterior noise standards by zoning district. In single-family and multi-family residential zones, the baseline is 55 dBA between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM and 50 dBA between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Commercial zones permit 60-65 dBA daytime, and industrial zones allow up to 70 dBA. Measurements are taken at the property line of the receiving land use, not the source. Impulsive noise, tonal noise, and repetitive noise carry 5 dBA penalty adjustments, meaning a tonal hum is treated as 5 dBA louder than measured. Sound that exceeds the standard by more than 5 dBA for any 15-minute period, or by 10 dBA instantaneously, constitutes a violation. Exemptions cover emergency vehicles, authorized construction during permitted hours, church bells, school activities, and city-permitted special events. Enforcement is complaint-driven and handled by Code Enforcement using calibrated sound level meters. Repeat offenders face administrative citations starting around $100 and escalating with each subsequent violation within a 12-month window. Residents near downtown, the SAP Center, and SJC airport have specific exemptions built into the code.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Jose code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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