Entertainment Commission inspectors report multiple noise complaints, issue Mezzanine notice of violation

Inspectors for the San Francisco Entertainment Commission reported several recent noise complaints and enforcement actions at the commission’s Oct. 18 meeting.

Inspector Polly said she responded to a complaint at the Forest Hill Clubhouse (reported around Oct. 10) and found the event over upon arrival; she noted the property holds a grandfathered permit that allows up to 60 association events a year and said planning staff has indicated private outdoor events may not be permitted. "I didn't find a noise issue as it was over by the time that I got there," Polly said, and she will follow up with planning and neighbors to clarify use.

Polly also described a sound check at Hex Bar and Kitchen 28, reporting a house system with measured peaks “like, 92” decibels but no observable impact to the surrounding neighborhood. On Club Malibu, Polly reported she visited late-night and early-morning hours, observed little evidence of patrons lingering on the avenue at her visits but acknowledged neighbors had complained; inspectors are trying to schedule a neighbor‑anchored sound test.

Inspector Burke said he is monitoring several venues and performed a follow-up sound test at the Armory after vestibule installations; his ambient measurements indicated the vestibules are containing low-frequency sound effectively and he increased a venue-specific sound limit while awaiting permanent improvements. "The vestibules are doing an outstanding job containing the low frequencies in the space," Burke said.

Burke said he issued a notice of violation to Mezzanine (444 Jesse) for a Good Neighbor Policy number 8 violation tied to low-frequency sound measured about 2.5 decibels above ambient, which he attributed to a tour bus engine idling in an alley. "We did issue a notice of violation to Mezzanine for Good Neighbor Policy, number 8, violation of municipal police code 2900," he said, and he reported the venue is exploring shore power so buses need not run engines overnight.

Burke also described outreach to Island 32 and Milan Pizza about incident reporting and security procedures, urging venues to keep incident-report forms on site and provide police CAD or case numbers when law enforcement is involved. He noted the Treasure Island Music Festival experienced rain delays but reported sound was contained on the island and there were no known sound complaints to 311 or SFPD.

The commission asked clarifying questions throughout the reports, including whether venues hold liquor licenses and about scheduling of neighbor-based sound tests. No formal enforcement actions beyond the Mezzanine notice were recorded in the meeting minutes; inspectors said they will continue monitoring and follow up with planning and police as appropriate.