Quiet hours in San Rafael, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 sets daytime and nighttime decibel limits enforced under §8.13.040. Daytime is 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; nighttime is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. In residential zones the daytime cap is 60 dBA intermittent / 50 dBA constant and the nighttime cap drops to 50 dBA intermittent / 40 dBA constant.
The §8.13.040 General Noise Limits table establishes four zone categories — residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial — each with separate intermittent and constant standards for day and night. Where two limits apply (e.g., a residence next to a commercial parcel) the more restrictive limit controls. Section 8.13.030 separately prohibits 'loud or unusual noises' regardless of measured dBA whenever they disturb the peace of any reasonable person. Enforcement is by San Rafael Police and Code Enforcement, and the bail schedule lists both infraction and misdemeanor tiers.
Per the 2023 City bail schedule: §8.13.040 violations carry $100 base bail / $410 total as an infraction and $500 base / $2,050 total as a misdemeanor. Repeat or willful conduct may be charged as a misdemeanor.
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