🇺🇸 United States - America/Los_Angeles (local time 6:50 PM)
Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in San Francisco, California
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (fixed interior residential 45 dBA; many other sources limited to 5 dBA over local ambient)
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-20:00 (without Night Noise Permit; otherwise permit required for 20:00-07:00)
Construction weekends: 07:00-20:00 (without Night Noise Permit; otherwise permit required for 20:00-07:00)
San Francisco regulates noise largely by how far it is above local ambient. Residential interiors have fixed limits of 45 dBA at night (22:00-07:00) and 55 dBA by day. Night construction (20:00-07:00) requires a Night Noise Permit. See Police Code Section 2909 and Section 2908.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (fixed interior residential 45 dBA; many other sources limited to 5 dBA over local ambient)
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00
Decibel limits
55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-20:00 (without Night Noise Permit; otherwise permit required for 20:00-07:00)
Weekends: 07:00-20:00 (without Night Noise Permit; otherwise permit required for 20:00-07:00)
Lawn equipment
Not specified
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
5 dBA over local ambient at the property plane outdoors; 5 dBA over ambient measured inside an adjacent dwelling (doors/windows closed).
Typical fines
Varies by violation under Police Code Article 29; enforced via citations/permit conditions
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 (SF.gov) for most noise; Entertainment Commission for venue/event sound. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.sf.gov/report-noise-problem or call 311 (SF.gov) for most noise; Entertainment Commission for venue/event sound. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi - SF's residential interior limit is 45 dBA from 10 p.m.-7 a.m., and outdoor sound is limited to 5 dBA over ambient. Could you keep volume down at night? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We're experiencing noise that appears over SF Article 29 limits (5 dBA over ambient / 45 dBA interior nights). Could you address this with the tenant/contractor?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: San Francisco Police Code Article 29 - Regulation of Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If work occurs 20:00-07:00, ask for the Night Noise Permit number; lack of permit is a clear violation.
- When reporting mechanical equipment, note interior levels against 45 dBA (night) / 55 dBA (day).
- Include time-stamped clips and exact address/source when submitting via 311.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.