San Francisco, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in San Francisco, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Nighttime limit
- 45 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Daytime limit
- 55 dBA, 7am-10pm
- Applies to
- fixed mechanical noise sources
Summary
San Francisco caps fixed-source indoor noise in dwelling units at 45 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., rising to 55 dBA during daytime hours, to protect sleep.
no fixed noise source may cause the noise level measured inside any sleeping or living room in any dwelling unit located on residential property to exceed 45 dBA between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 55 dBA between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00p.m. with windows open except where building ventilation is achieved through mechanical systems that allow windows to remain closed.
(e) Noise Caused By Activities Subject To Permits From the City and County of San Francisco. None of the noise limits set forth in this Section apply to activity for which the City and County of San Francisco has issued a permit that contains noise limit provisions that are different from those set forth in this Article. (Added by Ord. 274-72, App. 9/20/72; amended by Ord. 278-08, File No. 081119, App. 11/25/2008; Ord. 172-11, File No. 110506, App. 9/12/2011, Eff. 10/12/2011; Ord. 100-13, File No. 130182, App. 6/6/2013, Eff. 7/6/2013)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Police Code Sec. 2909(d) sets fixed residential interior noise limits: no fixed noise source may cause the noise level inside any sleeping or living room in a dwelling unit on residential property to exceed 45 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or 55 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., measured with windows open unless mechanical ventilation allows windows to stay closed. The rule targets mechanical equipment such as HVAC systems, elevators, and pumps rather than human activity noise.
Violations & Fines
A fixed noise source that exceeds 45 dBA overnight or 55 dBA daytime inside a residential dwelling unit violates Sec. 2909(d), enforced by the Department of Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Francisco's nighttime indoor noise limit?
Does the interior limit cover neighbors' music or parties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
How San Francisco compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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