San Jose, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in San Jose, CA?
| Regulation | Details for San Jose, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (408) 277-8900 |
10PM-7AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
San Jose, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in San Jose, CA?
San Jose, CA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 10.16 of the Municipal Code, prohibit unreasonably loud noises that disturb neighborhood peace. While no blanket curfew exists, stricter limitations generally apply between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., enforced through a 'plainly audible' standard or measured decibel levels. Specific rules cover construction, amplified sound, animals, and vehicles.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 70 dB(A) or 10 dBA above ambient, not to exceed 60 dBA (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.); One- and Two-Family: 55 dBA (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.) | One- and Two-Family: 55 dB(A) or 5 dBA above ambient, not to exceed 50 dBA; 45 dBA (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.); Multiple-Family Dwelling: 50 dBA (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.) | 60 dBA (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.) |
Note: Decibel limits are often measured at the property line. Sound equipment in residential areas may not exceed 75 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction/demolition: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. No construction on weekends or holidays within 500 feet of residential units. Construction within public streets: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (M-F) and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays).
- Amplified Sound:
Operation of loudspeakers or sound amplifiers requires a permit from the chief of police. Sound equipment in residential areas is restricted if plainly audible past the property line or exceeds 75 dB(A) between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Playing any radio, phonograph, or musical device in a manner that is disturbing or unreasonably loud to a reasonable person outside the unit is prohibited.
- Animals:
No owner shall allow an animal to habitually disturb the peace by howling, barking, crying, baying, or making any other noise. This includes incessant noise for 30 minutes or more, or intermittent noise accumulating to 60 minutes or more, in any 24-hour period.
- Vehicles:
Prohibits sounding any horn or noise device other than allowed by the California Vehicle Code. Noise from an exhaust system not constructed to prevent disturbing or unreasonably loud noise. Revving an engine while not in motion (except for repair/testing). Vehicle Code section 27007 specifies 50 feet as the allowable distance for noise from a vehicle parked on public property.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 70 dB(A) or 10 dBA above ambient, not to exceed 60 dBA (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.); One- and Two-Family: 55 dBA (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.) during the day and One- and Two-Family: 55 dB(A) or 5 dBA above ambient, not to exceed 50 dBA; 45 dBA (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.); Multiple-Family Dwelling: 50 dBA (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.) 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 Jose, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the San Jose, CA police non-emergency line at (408) 277-8900. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 or (408) 535-3500.