Noise Rules: Richmond vs San Ramon
How do noise rules rules compare between Richmond, CA and San Ramon, CA?
Richmond and San Ramon have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Richmond | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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