Noise Rules: El Cerrito vs Richmond
How do noise rules rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Richmond, CA?
El Cerrito and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Unincorporated Contra Costa County regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 88-32 of the County Ordinance Code (added by Ordinance 2020-12). The STR operating standards prohibit excessive noise inconsistent with residential use. The ordinance does not set a specific decibel limit or fixed quiet-hour window; instead it pairs that standard with a hard 20-person gathering cap and a ban on weddings, conferences, and other commercial special events.
View full El Cerrito rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Richmond's Community Noise Ordinance (RMC Chapter 9.52) caps single-family residential property-line noise at 60 dBA, dropping to 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. STR guests must comply with the same standards.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Ord. Code Ch. 88-32 (Ord. 2020-12) | - |
| Noise Standard | No excessive noise inconsistent with residential use | - |
| Decibel Limit | None set | - |
| Quiet Hours | Not specified | - |
| Gathering Cap | 20 persons total | - |
| Special Events | Prohibited (weddings, conferences) | - |
| State Fallback | Cal. Penal Code 415 | - |
| Code Section | - | RMC Chapter 9.52 |
| SFR Daytime Limit | - | 60 dBA at property line |
| Nighttime Hours | - | 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. |
| Nighttime Limit | - | 50 dBA at residential boundary |
| Power Tool Curfew | - | 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. weekdays |
| Penalty | - | Misdemeanor; daily offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Are there fixed quiet hours for short-term rentals in unincorporated Contra Costa County?
No. Chapter 88-32 does not set a numerical decibel limit or a county-wide quiet-hours window. The operating standard is that excessive noise inconsistent with residential use is prohibited. The county also caps gatherings at 20 persons and bars weddings, conferences, and other commercial events at STRs.
Who responds to a noisy short-term rental complaint in unincorporated Contra Costa County?
The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office responds to active disturbances and can cite under California Penal Code 415 (disturbing the peace). The local responsible party listed on the STR permit must also respond. Repeat complaints are forwarded to the Department of Conservation and Development for STR permit action under Chapter 88-32.
Do these rules apply inside cities like Walnut Creek or Concord?
No. Chapter 88-32 only applies in the unincorporated county. Cities like Walnut Creek, Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg, San Ramon, and Danville set their own STR and noise ordinances, and many of those cities publish numeric quiet hours and decibel limits.
Richmond FAQ
What are quiet hours for STR guests in Richmond, CA?
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The exterior noise limit drops by 10 dBA in residential zones, and noise from other zones cannot exceed 50 dBA at the residential boundary.
What is the daytime noise limit in a Richmond single-family neighborhood?
60 dBA measured at the property line, not to be exceeded more than 30 minutes in any hour, per RMC 9.52.100.
Is the STR owner responsible for guest noise violations?
Yes. RMC 9.52.120(a) imposes strict liability on owners, tenants, and operators, and requires reasonable abatement measures including eviction proceedings if necessary.
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