Cathedral City, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Chapter 5.96 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code adds two noise rules specific to rentals in Cathedral City, in addition to the Chapter 11.96 noise standards. Section 5.96.050(E) bars any radio receiver, musical instrument, phonograph, compact disk player, loudspeaker, karaoke machine, sound amplifier, or other sound-producing machine from being used outside or being audible from the outside of any unit used for short-term vacation rental. Music amplified inside shall not be heard beyond the property line at all times. Section 5.96.050(S) prohibits all use of outdoor amenities, outdoor games and other outdoor activities that create noise between the hours of ten p.m. and eight a.m., and requires a sign stating the restriction near any spa or pool or posted on all interior doors leading to exterior amenities.

The base standard in § 11.96.030(A)(6) sets exterior limits measured at the lot line: 65 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in a residential zone. Interior limits are 50 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 40 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Where the ambient level is higher, no one can exceed the ambient level. A violation is an infraction and a public nuisance.

The owner carries the responsibility. Section 5.96.050(A) and (B) require the owner, agent or local contact person to ensure occupants do not create noise in violation of Chapter 11.96, and to respond promptly to halt or prevent a recurrence. The local contact person must be available twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week and respond within thirty minutes (§ 5.96.050(D)). At check in, the owner must advise the responsible person verbally and in writing of the music, noise and occupancy rules and hand over the good neighbor brochure, and the responsible person must be a present occupant. The advertisement must state requirements for compliance with the city's noise and outdoor activity standards. Home maintenance, yard work and pool cleaning are barred from five p.m. on Friday through eight a.m. on Monday except in an emergency (§ 5.96.050(R)).