Apply for a night noise permit

If your construction project requires work outside 7:00am – 8:00pm, you may need a night noise permit from the Department of Building Inspection.

Department of Building Inspection

Night noise permits are issued only when the work cannot be done during regular hours because of safety, structural, traffic, or access reasons, or in rare emergencies. Examples include large concrete pours, oversized deliveries, or work that affects public safety or transit routes.

Follow the steps below to apply for a night noise permit to work outside the allowed construction hours.

Prepare to apply

Gather all items on the list below before submitting your application. These documents are required to evaluate your request and confirm neighborhood notification.

When you’re ready, email the complete application package to NightNoise@sfgov.org at least 10 business days before your planned work begins.

Night Noise Request Letter Template – Your formal request to DBI to perform work outside the hours of 7:00am – 8:00pm.

Outreach Letter Template – A template of the letter you will deliver to neighbors explaining the planned work and hours.

Outreach Flyer Template – A template of the flyer you will deliver to neighbors with key project details and your 24/7 contact number.

Service Request Form – Required for DBI’s internal processing.

Mailing list of all addresses notified – You must notify all residences within 300 feet of your project site. Use the SF Public Works Mapping Tool to create this list and include it in your application.

Permits or approvals from other agencies – Attach copies of any permits or approval letters you’ve already received from other State or local agencies. These should clearly show the dates and times you’re allowed to work at night (for example: SFMTA, Public Works, and Caltrans).

Coordination with nearby projects – Coordinate with other contractors in the area so night work happens on the same days, ideally early in the week. Include a brief note and proof, such as emails, meeting notes, or agreements, showing you contacted other project teams to reduce repeated impacts on residents.

Review and payment

DBI will review your application and, if approved, will email you an invoice with payment instructions.

Payment must be made by the end of the next business day. Your permit will not be issued until payment is received.

Before you start your project

Complete the following steps at least 10 business days before work begins:

Notify neighbors with the final dates and hours.
Provide a 24/7 live-answer phone number for questions or complaints.
Post information online if you have a project website, and include your resident notices, DBI-issued permits, and 24/7 contact number.
Coordinate with other nearby projects to avoid repeated night work whenever possible.

During construction

Follow City noise limits.

Jackhammering is not allowed between midnight and 7:00am. Use mufflers and sound covers on equipment, and keep tool noise and on-site conversations as quiet as possible.

Direct lighting away from neighboring buildings.

Position flood lights to minimize light spill onto nearby buildings whenever possible.

Use traffic controls when needed.

Install appropriate traffic controls if work affects pedestrian walkways, parking, or vehicle travel lanes.

Be prepared for DBI inspections.

DBI may conduct unscheduled site visits. Not following permit conditions can lead to a Stop Work Order, correction notice, or denial of future permits.

Use best practices whenever possible.

Schedule noisy work before midnight; replace back-up beepers with quieter broadband alarms; track noise levels with a hand-held meter to address complaints.

Track the status of your permit.

You can track the status of your Night Noise permit online.