SERVICE

Get a sound truck permit

This permit lets you have amplified sound on a vehicle outdoors.

What to know

Cost

$540

Amendment Fee: $383.00.

One permit covers up to 12 hours. Some events may qualify for a fee waiver - see below. 

Deadline

You should apply at least 2 weeks before your event. If your event will run before 9 am or after 10 pm, you may need to apply earlier.

What to do

1. See if you need a permit

You need this permit to use amplified sound equipment on a vehicle, float, or other moving object outdoors. This includes using this equipment on:

  • A city street
  • A city sidewalk
  • Private property, like a parking lot

You do not need this permit for use on SF Recreation and Parks property, federal property, or at a private residence. 

One permit can cover more than one sound truck at the same event. One permit can cover up to 12 hours.

For an outdoor event with amplified sound or entertainment in one location, like a street fair or concert, apply for our One Time Outdoor Event Permit

2. Get permission from whoever owns or manages the property

You also need permission from whoever owns or manages the property you will be driving on. This could be a: 

If you are the property owner or manager, you don’t need a letter or contract. You can just confirm your status on the application. 

3. Know the details

You will need to know:

  • Your route, with a route map
  • Hours you will have outdoor amplified sound
  • Contact info for the person in direct control of the sound truck(s)
  • Size of your sound equipment
     

4. Fill out the application

In the application, you will need to agree to rules and responsibilities. You will need to give detailed responses to the security plan questions; short, one-sentence answers will not be accepted.

It will take about 30 minutes. We will send you a confirmation email and information about what to do next.

5. Pay the permit application fee

Pay using the online payment portal

If requesting a fee waiver: See what types of fee waivers are available for event permits. You may apply for the waiver by responding to the questions in the permit application. 

The SF Entertainment Commission has the right to deny an application submitted less than 7 days before an event. Once we begin processing your application, we may not refund your fee. 

Special cases

After hours sound

If you want to have outdoor amplified sound before 9 am or after 10 pm it may be possible.

Apply for the permit at least 45 days before the event. You may need to do neighborhood outreach and/or attend a public hearing with the Entertainment Commission.

Fee waiver

See what types of fee waivers are available for event permits. You may apply for the waiver by responding to the questions in the permit application. 

Our Mission

The Entertainment Commission supports a thriving entertainment and nightlife culture that balances the needs of the City’s entertainment community, its audiences, and its neighbors across all neighborhoods.

Get help

Address

Entertainment Commission49 South Van Ness Ave.
Suite 1482
San Francisco, CA 94103
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Email or call us during business hours for help or to schedule an appointment.

Phone

Entertainment Commission628-652-6030