Short-term rental guests in San Francisco must comply with the citywide noise ordinance under Police Code Article 29. Residential noise from amplified sound, voices, or activity may not exceed 5 dBA above ambient at the nearest property line, with a 45 dBA interior limit during the 10 p.m.-7 a.m. quiet period. STR hosts are responsible under Administrative Code Chapter 41A for guest conduct and must respond to neighbor complaints. A persistent pattern of nuisance noise can lead to OSTR enforcement and certificate revocation.
Police Code Article 29 (Sec. 2900 et seq.) governs noise in San Francisco. Sec. 2909 sets general residential limits: noise from any fixed source may not exceed the ambient level by more than 5 dBA in residential zones (or 8 dBA in commercial/industrial zones) at the nearest property plane. For interior residential receiving spaces, a 45 dBA limit applies between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and a 55 dBA limit applies during daytime hours, both measured with windows closed. Sec. 2909(d) restricts construction activity and other persistent noise during nighttime hours unless a Public Works or Department of Building Inspection permit is issued. Police Code Sec. 2908 prohibits any unnecessary, excessive, or offensive noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood. Although Chapter 41A does not impose a separate STR-specific noise standard, OSTR treats repeated verified noise complaints as evidence of nuisance and may suspend or revoke a Short-Term Residential Rental Certificate under Sec. 41A.5(g). Hosts are advised by OSTR to provide guests with the house rules including local quiet hours and to post emergency contact information. Police non-emergency response (415-553-0123) handles real-time noise complaints; the Entertainment Commission addresses noise from licensed venues but not STRs.
Police Code Article 29 violations are infractions or misdemeanors and may carry fines starting around $500 per occurrence under San Francisco's general nuisance penalty schedule. Repeat or persistent STR noise nuisance can trigger OSTR investigation, with administrative penalties up to $484 per day under Chapter 41A and possible suspension or revocation of the host's STR certificate. Civil nuisance claims by neighbors are also possible.
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