Acoustic Design Requirements in San Francisco

SF Planning Code + CBC + WELL v2 compliance guide for San Francisco architects and acoustic consultants.

SF Department of Building Inspection (DBI) requires acoustical analysis for mixed-use developments and projects in noise-impacted areas.

Primary Standard

SF Planning Code + CBC + WELL v2

Certification Body

ASA (Acoustical Society of America)

RT60 Targets for San Francisco

Room TypeRT60 TargetStandard
Classroom≤ 0.6sANSI S12.60
Office (open plan)≤ 0.8sWELL v2
ResidentialCNEL 45 interiorCBC Title 24

Common Building Types in San Francisco Requiring Acoustic Design

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Mixed-use infill development

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Office conversions (SOMA)

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Affordable housing

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Tech campus design

Acoustic Consultants in San Francisco

Firms commonly working on acoustic design in San Francisco include Charles M. Salter Associates, Wilson Ihrig, Arup SF, and Rosen Goldberg Der. AcousPlan does not endorse specific firms \u2014 this list reflects commonly encountered practices in the San Francisco market. For projects requiring professional acoustic assessment, we recommend engaging a consultant accredited by ASA (Acoustical Society of America).

Frequently Asked Questions: San Francisco Acoustics

Does SF require acoustic reports for new developments?▾
Yes, SF Planning Code Section 135 requires environmental noise analysis for residential projects in areas with ambient noise above CNEL 60 (most of the city). SF DBI Administrative Bulletin AB-022 requires acoustical analysis for mixed-use projects to demonstrate noise mitigation between commercial and residential uses. The analysis must be prepared by a licensed acoustical consultant and demonstrate compliance with CBC Title 24 interior noise requirements.
What acoustic challenges are specific to San Francisco?▾
SF-specific challenges include: Muni light rail and cable car noise affecting buildings along transit corridors, SFO airport noise zones affecting the southern part of the city, entertainment venue noise in SOMA and Mission districts, fog horn noise affecting waterfront properties, construction pile-driving noise in the soft soil areas south of Market Street, and seismic separation joints between buildings that create acoustic flanking paths.
How does SF handle mixed-use acoustic separation?▾
SF DBI requires enhanced acoustic separation between commercial/retail and residential uses in mixed-use buildings. Typical requirements: STC 55+ for floor/ceiling assemblies between retail and residential, STC 50+ for walls, and HVAC noise from commercial spaces not exceeding NC-35 in residential units. Restaurants and bars adjacent to residential require enhanced treatment including structural breaks and independent MEP systems.

Other United States City Guides

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