Merced County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Noise from short-term rentals in unincorporated Merced County is controlled through the County's general performance standards rather than a standalone STR noise ordinance. Section 18.40.050 of the Zoning Code sets the County's noise performance standards, and all uses including short-term rentals must operate within those limits; the County's residential regulations elsewhere expressly tie permitted activities to 'the noise standards in Section 18.40.050 (Noise).' To make these standards enforceable in practice, the County's short-term rental rules (Section 18.60.270) require the operator to designate a local contact person who is available 24 hours a day to respond to problems and emergencies, including noise and nuisance complaints from neighbors. This 24/7 contact requirement gives the County and neighbors a responsible party who can quickly quiet a disruptive rental. The Director may also attach noise-related conditions, such as quiet-hour expectations, to the Administrative Permit to keep the rental compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. Repeated noise violations can support enforcement action and threaten the rental's permit.