Noise Rules: Martinez vs San Ramon
How do noise rules rules compare between Martinez, CA and San Ramon, CA?
Martinez and San Ramon have similar restriction levels.
Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Martinez does not publish a separate STR-specific noise standard. Any short-term lodging activity in the city must comply with the citywide Noise Control ordinance in Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 8.34, the general nuisance provisions in Title 1, and any conditions imposed through the bed-and-breakfast / lodging framework cross-referenced from MMC Section 22.04.051. Persistent noise disturbances at a guest-occupied dwelling can be cited as a public nuisance and can also support enforcement against any underlying use permit.
View full Martinez 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 | Martinez | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| Citywide Noise Code | MMC Chapter 8.34 (Noise Control) | - |
| STR-Specific Noise Rule | None - general Chapter 8.34 applies | - |
| B&B / Lodging Framework | MMC Section 22.04.051 | - |
| County STR Quiet Hours | Do not apply inside Martinez (Ord. 2020-12 is unincorporated only) | - |
| Active Complaints | Martinez Police Department non-emergency | - |
| Repeat Patterns | Martinez Code Enforcement / nuisance abatement | - |
| STR Status | - | Allowed with annual registration |
| 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.
Martinez FAQ
Does Martinez have a special quiet-hours rule for short-term rentals?
No. Martinez has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance with its own quiet-hours standard. STR guests are bound by the same Chapter 8.34 Noise Control rules as any other resident, plus any conditions attached to a bed-and-breakfast approval under Section 22.04.051.
Do Contra Costa County's STR noise rules apply in Martinez?
No. The county's STR ordinance (Ordinance 2020-12 / Chapter 88-32) applies only in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Inside Martinez city limits, the city's own Chapter 8.34 noise rules and general nuisance provisions govern.
Who do neighbors call about noise from a vacation rental in Martinez?
Active disturbances should be reported to the Martinez Police Department non-emergency line. Repeated patterns can also be reported to Martinez Code Enforcement, which can pursue administrative citations and, where applicable, revocation of any underlying B&B or conditional use approval.
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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