Noise Rules: Brentwood vs San Ramon
How do noise rules rules compare between Brentwood, CA and San Ramon, CA?
San Ramon has fewer restrictions than Brentwood.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Brentwood prohibits short-term rentals citywide under Municipal Code Chapter 17.796 (Ord. 1079, adopted Dec 10, 2024), so STR-specific noise rules do not apply. Any rental of 30 days or fewer is unlawful, leaving Brentwood's general noise ordinance to govern occupant conduct at long-term rentals.
View full Brentwood rules →San Ramon, CA
Contra Costa County
San Ramon allows STRs in any residential district subject to Zoning Ordinance D4-27, which makes the operator jointly responsible for compliance with all City noise regulations under Municipal Code Chapter V (B6-81 through B6-122). General nighttime quiet hours run 10 PM to 8 AM, and audio or yelling that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the building between those hours is prima facie evidence of a violation. Un-hosted STRs are capped at 12 weeks per year, and STRs may not be rented for parties or other special events.
View full San Ramon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | Banned citywide | Allowed with annual registration |
| Code Section | BMC Ch. 17.796 | - |
| Ordinance | No. 1079 (Dec 10, 2024) | - |
| Threshold | 30 days or fewer prohibited | - |
| ADUs | Included in ban | - |
| Hosted Stays | No exception | - |
| STR Code Section | - | Zoning Ordinance D4-27 |
| Noise Code | - | Municipal Code Ch. V (B6-81 to B6-122) |
| Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM - 8 AM |
| Audible Standard | - | Plainly audible at 50 ft (prima facie) |
| Local Contact Response | - | 30 minutes, 24/7 (D4-27.C.2.d) |
| Un-hosted Cap | - | 12 weeks per year |
| Special Events | - | Prohibited (no parties/weddings) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
Are there quiet hours for short-term rentals in Brentwood?
No, because short-term rentals are themselves prohibited under BMC Chapter 17.796. There is no STR program to attach quiet-hours conditions to.
Does the unincorporated Contra Costa County STR noise rule apply inside Brentwood?
No. County Chapter 88-32 (Ord. 2020-12) governs unincorporated areas only; inside Brentwood, the citywide STR ban controls.
What if my neighbor is renting nightly?
Report it to City of Brentwood code enforcement. Stays of 30 days or fewer violate Chapter 17.796 and can trigger citations and abatement.
San Ramon FAQ
Does San Ramon set special noise limits for short-term rentals?
No. San Ramon does not impose STR-specific decibel limits. D4-27.D.6 makes operators jointly responsible for compliance with the citywide noise rules in Municipal Code Chapter V, including the 10 PM to 8 AM quiet hours.
How are noise complaints handled at a San Ramon STR?
Under D4-27.C.2.d, the registered local contact must be available 24 hours a day and able to respond physically to the rental within 30 minutes. Audio plainly audible at 50 feet between 10 PM and 8 AM is prima facie evidence of a B6-91 violation.
Can my San Ramon STR registration be revoked for noise problems?
Yes. Under D4-27.G, the Zoning Administrator may schedule a public hearing to revoke a registration for violations or public nuisance, and a revoked registration may not be re-issued for 12 months.
Are short-term rentals allowed for parties or weddings in San Ramon?
No. D4-27.D.2 expressly prohibits renting an STR for the purpose of holding special events such as weddings, conferences, or parties.
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