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

Noise abatement was one of the specific concerns the County identified when creating the STR program, and it is addressed directly as a performance standard. Under Zoning Regulations Section 6401.3(6)(f), all short-term rentals must comply with the standards of the County Noise Ordinance, which is Ordinance Code Chapter 4.88. A copy of Chapter 4.88 must be posted in an open and conspicuous place in the unit, readily visible to all tenants and guests. The same provision prohibits on-site use of equipment requiring more than standard household electrical current at 110 or 220 volts, and bars unreasonable activities that produce noise, dust, odor, or vibration detrimental to occupants of neighboring properties. Noise is also one of the performance standards that must be recited in the rental agreement or advertisement (Section 6401.3(4)(e)) and posted in the unit alongside the tenant limit, parking, trash, and illegal-activity rules (Section 6401.3(6)(g)). The owner's designated local contact person is required to use best efforts and respond in a reasonable and timely manner to ensure tenants do not cause unreasonable noise or disturbance, and must be reachable at all times while the unit is occupied. This layered approach - County Noise Ordinance plus a responsive local contact - is how the County manages noise complaints from coastal short-term rentals.