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San Francisco noise ordinance: quiet hours and who to call

San Francisco's noise rules are in Article 29 of the Police Code, "Regulation of Noise." Most of its limits are not fixed decibel numbers. Instead, they are measured against the ambient level, the background sound in the same spot with the noise source turned off. A neighbor's stereo breaks the rule when it pushes the level a set number of decibels above that background.

How ambient is measured

Section 2901 defines ambient as the sound level over at least ten minutes in the same spot. It is measured with a precision meter while the noise in question is off. The code sets a floor: ambient is never treated as lower than 35 dBA for noise inside a home, or 45 dBA anywhere else. In a very quiet building, the limit is figured from 35 dBA, not from whatever the meter reads.

Limits for homes and apartments

Section 2909(a) covers noise from any machine, device, music or entertainment on residential property:

• On residential property, the noise can't be more than 5 dBA above ambient at any point outside the property line. The code calls that line the property plane (§ 2909(a)(1)).
• In a multi-unit building, the noise can't be more than 5 dBA above ambient inside another unit. It is measured three feet from any wall, floor or ceiling, with that unit's windows and doors closed (§ 2909(a)(2)).

The second rule is the one apartment renters need. The reading is taken in your unit, not in the hallway.

These limits apply at all hours. Article 29 has no general quiet-hours period for music or voices. SF.gov's noise page says the city's rules allow human and animal noise during the day unless it becomes unreasonable or happens between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Fixed equipment like HVAC

Section 2909(d) sets hard limits for fixed noise sources, such as building mechanical equipment, measured inside a sleeping or living room in a home:

• 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Those readings are taken with windows open, unless the building uses mechanical ventilation that lets windows stay closed.

Businesses and public property

Commercial and industrial property may not produce noise more than 8 dBA above ambient outside the property plane (§ 2909(b)). Licensed entertainment venues also face a limit of 8 dBC above the low-frequency ambient, which picks up bass. On public property, a machine or device may not be more than 10 dBA above ambient at 25 feet or more (§ 2909(c)).

None of these limits apply to activity under a city permit that sets its own noise terms (§ 2909(e)).

Construction at night

From 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., building work can't be more than 5 dBA above ambient at the nearest property plane. That covers construction, demolition, digging and repair. The only exception is a special permit from the Director of Public Works or the Director of Building Inspection (§ 2908). Emergency work is exempt.

Who to contact

SF.gov's noise page says that if an ongoing noise breaks the noise ordinance, call the non-emergency police line at 415-553-0123. For noise that keeps coming up between neighbors or businesses, the page points to Community Boards. Equipment on buildings, construction, delivery trucks, entertainment venues, garbage collection and some other sources are reported through 311, which gives you a tracking number. The page also notes that noise in an apartment building may be the landlord's responsibility and links to the Rent Board.

Under § 2916, several offices share the work. The Department of Public Health enforces § 2909. Building Inspection and Public Works handle construction noise. The Entertainment Commission handles licensed venues. Police can enforce § 2909 and noise made by people.

Penalties

Section 2917 makes a violation an infraction or a misdemeanor. As an infraction, the fine is up to:

• $100 for a first violation
• $200 for a second
• $300 for each additional violation within one year of the date of a second or later violation

Each day is a separate offense. Departments can also collect administrative penalties under Administrative Code Chapter 100. The City Attorney can seek a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation per day in court.

California law

California Penal Code § 415(2) makes loud and unreasonable noise a crime when it disturbs another person. The person has to act maliciously and willfully. The penalty is up to 90 days in county jail, a fine of up to $400, or both. The California noise rules page links the statute.

Keeping a record

Because San Francisco measures against background sound, an officer or inspector needs to hear the noise while it is happening. A log showing when it usually starts helps them pick the right time. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report or complaint letter for your landlord. A phone reading can't replace the precision meter the code calls for.

Sources

• San Francisco Police Code Article 29, Regulation of Noise (American Legal)
• San Francisco Police Code § 2901, Definitions
• San Francisco Police Code § 2908, Construction work at night
• San Francisco Police Code § 2909, Noise limits
• San Francisco Police Code § 2916, Enforcement
• San Francisco Police Code § 2917, Violations
• SF.gov: Report a noise problem

Last checked October 17, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.