Noise ordinance
Within Menlo Park city limits, it can get loud with our diverse and active population, proximity of homes to businesses, traffic and construction. Sound is inevitable, yet levels or types of sound occurring in some parts of Menlo Park may be bothersome to residents and workers, and in some cases, could be high enough to harm health and quality of life. Any unwanted sound can be characterized as noise; everyone reacts differently to noise, and not everyone agrees about what sounds are noisy.
It is the declared policy of the city to protect the peace, health and safety of its residents from unreasonable noises from all sources as specified in Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 Noise.
In the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, noise is regulated by the San Mateo County Code of Ordinances Chapter 4.88 Noise Control.
Noise generated by construction activities
It is unlawful to create, permit, allow or maintain a noise disturbance in the City of Menlo Park.
Construction restrictions are as follows:
- Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. noise cannot exceed 60 dBA at a residential property line.
- All construction noise during the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, is exempt from the 60 dBA limit. During these hours, noise generated by powered equipment cannot exceed 85 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source.
- For residents and property owners personally undertaking construction activities, construction noise exempt from the 60 dBA limit during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. During these hours, noise generated by powered equipment cannot exceed 85 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source.
Noise level limit
- Noise levels cannot exceed 85 dBA (measured at 50 feet from the source) during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Noise levels cannot exceed 60 dBA during the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 50 dBA during the hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., on weekends and holidays.
Note: Homeowners and residents only, can use powered equipment to maintain their properties and/or residences on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No piece of equipment shall generate noise in excess of 85 dBA (measured at 50 feet from the source).
Leaf blower days and hours
Gas-powered leaf blowers
Municipal Code Chapter 8.05 prohibits the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
8.05.020 Prohibition of gasoline powered landscape equipment.
(a) Effective July 1, 2024, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or authorize the operation on, permit, or direct another who engages in the operation of any gasoline powered leaf blower and string trimmer within city limits.
- Applies to all properties, including residential, commercial and City properties within city limits.
- Hours of operation remain the same as electric powered equipment: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Property owner will be responsible for resolving violations with their own private equipment or educating their landscapers and gardeners hired to perform work on their property.
Electric-powered leaf blowers
- Allowed for all users (homeowners, residents and contractors) Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Allowed for homeowners and residents only, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City holidays
Holidays recognized by the City of Menlo Park, as it relates to the noise ordinance, include:
- New Year's Day (Jan. 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
- Presidents Day (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Veterans Day (Nov. 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25)