City of San Mateo Law Library
City of San Mateo Municipal Code.

7.30.060 SPECIAL PROVISIONS.

(a) Sound Performances and Special Events. Sound performances and special events not exceeding 80 dB measured at a distance of 50 feet from the loudest source are exempt from this chapter when approval therefor has been obtained from the appropriate governmental entity.

(b) Vehicle Horns. Vehicle horns, back-up warning devices, or other devices primarily intended to create a loud noise for warning purposes, shall be used only when the vehicle is in a situation where life, health or property are endangered or as required by law.

(c) Alarm System. An audible alarm system affixed to a motor vehicle shall be equipped with an automatic shutoff, which shuts off the alarm within a maximum of 15 minutes from the time of activation. Such alarm may not emit a sound similar to the sound emitted by sirens in use on emergency vehicles or to those used for civil defense purposes. For purposes of this section, any variable tone, as opposed to one steady pitch, shall be considered similar to the sound emitted by an emergency vehicle siren. The police department is authorized to abate the nuisance of an audible alarm system affixed to a motor vehicle, which sounds beyond 15 minutes by using any means necessary to disconnect the vehicle alarm. The expense of disconnecting the alarm shall be a lien against the motor vehicle and shall be the personal obligation of the owner thereof.

(d) Utilities and Emergencies. Utility and street repairs, street sweepers, garbage services, emergency response warning noises, emergency generators and fire alarm systems are exempt from this chapter.

(e) Construction. Construction, alteration, repair or land development activities which are authorized by a valid city permit shall be allowed on weekdays between the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m., on Saturdays between the hours of nine a.m. and five p.m., and on Sundays and holidays between the hours of noon and four p.m., or at such other hours as may be authorized or restricted by the permit, if they meet at least one of the following noise limitations:

(1) No individual piece of equipment shall produce a noise level exceeding 90 dB at a distance of 25 feet. If the device is housed within a structure or trailer on the property, the measurement shall be made outside the structure at a distance as close to 25 feet from the equipment as possible.

(2) The noise level at any point outside of the property plane of the project shall not exceed 90 dB.

(3) The operation of leaf blowers shall additionally comply with Chapter 10.80, Operation of Leaf Blowers.