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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in San Jose, California
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; enforcement is by a 55 dBA property-line limit (Title 20) plus activity-specific rules.
Weekends/holidays: No universal hours; note: construction within 500 ft of residences is not permitted on weekends unless expressly allowed by permit.
Construction weekdays: 07:00-19:00 when within 500 ft of a residential unit (permit may specify otherwise).
Construction weekends: Not permitted within 500 ft of a residential unit unless specifically allowed by a development/planning approval.
San Jose enforces noise primarily through a 55 dBA maximum at the receiving property line and limits on construction near homes (07:00-19:00, Mon-Fri; no weekends within 500 ft). See Table 20-85 and Section 20.100.450.
Residential quiet hours
No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; enforcement is by a 55 dBA property-line limit (Title 20) plus activity-specific rules.
Weekends & holidays: No universal hours; note: construction within 500 ft of residences is not permitted on weekends unless expressly allowed by permit.
Decibel limits
55 dBA daytime / 55 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-19:00 when within 500 ft of a residential unit (permit may specify otherwise).
Weekends: Not permitted within 500 ft of a residential unit unless specifically allowed by a development/planning approval.
Lawn equipment
No standalone schedule published; equipment must comply with the 55 dBA property-line limit.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
'Disturbing or unreasonably loud' noise is prohibited (SJMC 10.16.010). For residential edges, sound must remain <=55 dBA at the receiving property line.
Typical fines
Administrative citation amounts are set by City resolution; not posted as a single fixed amount in Title 20. Continuing violations may accrue daily.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via San Jose 311 (city services) or SJPD non-emergency for active disturbances.. 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://311.sanjoseca.gov/ or call San Jose 311 (city services) or SJPD non-emergency for active disturbances.. 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 there - San Jose enforces a 55 dBA limit at the property line and restricts late construction near homes. It is a bit loud tonight - could we lower it? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, I'm experiencing recurring noise that appears to exceed San Jose's 55 dBA property-line limit. Could you please remind the tenant and help resolve this?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Report during the noise so officers/inspectors can measure at the receiving property line.
- For construction near homes, ask whether Section 20.100.450 hours were modified by permit.
- For loud parties in progress, call SJPD non-emergency (408-277-8900) while it is occurring.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.