Outdoor music in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with the exterior decibel limits in County Code 4.88.330 and must not be unreasonably loud under 4.88.350. The County noise code has no special outdoor-music exemption, so evening and late-night events face the stricter 10 p.m.-7 a.m. nighttime limits.
Outdoor live or recorded music at homes, ranches, wineries and event venues in the unincorporated county is governed by the same Chapter 4.88 framework as other noise. Under Section 4.88.330, sound at neighboring residences, schools, hospitals, churches and libraries may not exceed the Table I limits for the applicable period - daytime 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. or nighttime 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - with the nighttime limits 5 dBA lower. Because the noise code provides no carve-out for parties or outdoor concerts, music continuing past 10:00 p.m. must meet the tighter nighttime standards, which is often impractical for amplified performance. Independently, Section 4.88.350 prohibits any unreasonably loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that disturbs the peace, considering factors such as proximity to sleeping or hospital facilities, the number of people affected and the time of day. Commercial venues and large gatherings may separately need County planning or special-event permits, which can attach noise conditions, but the baseline limits remain those of Chapter 4.88.
Outdoor-music complaints are enforced by the Sheriff and County Code Enforcement (650) 363-4825 under Chapter 4.88. Officers can require amplified music to be lowered or stopped when it exceeds the exterior standards or constitutes an unreasonable disturbance, particularly during nighttime hours.
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