Noise Rules: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do noise rules rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Short-term rentals in San Jose are subject to the same noise standards as all other residential property. SJMC Chapter 10.16 sets a quiet-hours period from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with reduced nighttime decibel limits at the property line, and STR operators must designate a local contact reachable around the clock to respond to noise and nuisance complaints under SJMC Title 20 Chapter 20.80 Part 2.5.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale STR hosts must enforce the city noise ordinance (SMC 19.42) with guests. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM with 50 dBA nighttime limit at property lines.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. | 10 PM - 7 AM |
| Daytime Limit (residential) | About 55 dBA at property line | - |
| Nighttime Limit (1-2 family) | About 45 dBA at property line | - |
| Code Section (Noise) | SJMC Ch. 10.16 | - |
| STR Framework | SJMC Title 20 Ch. 20.80 Part 2.5 | - |
| Local Contact | 24/7 availability required | - |
| Night Limit | - | 50 dBA |
| Revocation Trigger | - | 3 violations in 12 months |
| Report Line | - | (408) 730-7181 |
| Code | - | SMC 19.42 and 19.76 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
What are San Jose's quiet hours for a short-term rental?
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. citywide under SJMC Chapter 10.16. STRs are not exempt; guests must observe nighttime decibel limits at the property line, and amplified music that is plainly audible past the property line during quiet hours can be cited.
Does San Jose require an STR operator to handle noise complaints?
Yes. Under the Incidental Transient Occupancy rules in SJMC Title 20 Chapter 20.80 Part 2.5, operators must designate a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to noise and nuisance complaints. Repeated unaddressed complaints can lead to enforcement against the STR's authorization to operate.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Will the city revoke my STR permit for one noisy party?
One incident is unlikely to revoke a permit, but three documented violations within 12 months can trigger suspension or revocation under SMC 19.76.
Do STR guests get more leeway on noise than residents?
No. Guests are held to the same 50 dBA nighttime and 10 PM quiet-hour rules as any Sunnyvale resident.
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