Noise Rules: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do noise rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Short-term rental guests in Berkeley must comply with BMC Chapter 13.40 noise ordinance, including quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM on weekends.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Alameda County must comply with the countywide noise ordinance and general nuisance rules; amplified sound and outdoor gatherings are restricted during nighttime hours.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Quiet Hours | 10 PM - 7 AM | - |
| Weekend Quiet Hours | 10 PM - 9 AM | - |
| First Fine | Around 100 dollars | - |
| Host Responsibility | Must post rules and provide local contact | - |
| Contact | Berkeley Police (510) 981-5900 | - |
| Quiet hours | - | Typically 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
| Code basis | - | County noise ordinance plus nuisance rules |
| Host contact | - | Post 24-hour responsible party number |
| Enforcement | - | Sheriff plus code enforcement citations |
| City STRs | - | Governed by separate city ordinances |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can STR guests host a party in Berkeley?
Large parties and events are heavily restricted, and amplified music after 10 PM will likely violate the noise ordinance.
Who gets fined, the host or the guest?
Both can be cited. Chronic complaints put the host STR permit at risk of revocation.
Castro Valley FAQ
Are amplified outdoor speakers allowed at an STR?
Only at levels that do not disturb neighbors and not during quiet hours; most hosts prohibit outdoor amplified sound entirely.
Who do neighbors call first?
The host's posted contact number; for ongoing disturbances they can call the Alameda County Sheriff non-emergency line.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Castro Valley compare on other ordinance categories.
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