San Francisco, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in San Francisco, CA?
| Regulation | Details for San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 415-553-0123 |
10PM-7AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
San Francisco, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco, CA noise ordinances, primarily found in Article 29 of the Police Code, prohibit excessive noise from various sources. Quiet hours for human and animal-related noise are generally 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Specific decibel limits are set for residential and commercial areas, relative to ambient noise levels. Construction and amplified sound also have restricted operating hours and volume limits.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 5 dBA above ambient (exterior); 55 dBA (interior, fixed sources, 7AM-10PM) | 5 dBA above ambient (exterior); 45 dBA (interior, fixed sources, 10PM-7AM) |
| Commercial | 8 dBA above ambient | 8 dBA above ambient |
Note: Limits are relative to ambient noise levels, with minimum ambient levels of 35 dBA for interior residential and 45 dBA for other locations.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Unlawful between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if noise exceeds ambient by 5 dBA at the nearest property plane, unless a special permit from Public Works or Building Inspection is granted. Powered equipment is limited to 80 dBA at 100 feet; impact tools require mufflers and shields.
- Amplified Sound:
Outdoor sound amplifying equipment may be operated only between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with exceptions by the Entertainment Commission. Volume must not be audible more than 250 feet from the furthest audience member and not be unreasonably loud or disturbing. Permits are required for outdoor amplified sound.
- Animals:
Human and animal-related noise is not permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if unreasonable. A barking dog is defined as barking continuously for 10 minutes or longer.
- Vehicles:
Unlawful to repair, rebuild, or test motor vehicles in residential areas causing unnecessary, excessive, or offensive noise. Vehicle horns are for emergency warning purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in San Francisco, CA?
10PM-7AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in San Francisco, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 5 dBA above ambient (exterior); 55 dBA (interior, fixed sources, 7AM-10PM) during the day and 5 dBA above ambient (exterior); 45 dBA (interior, fixed sources, 10PM-7AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in San Francisco, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the San Francisco, CA police non-emergency line at 415-553-0123. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Report via SF.gov forms for specific issues like building equipment or construction, or contact Department of Building Inspection for night construction..