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

While there is no short-term rental ordinance, noise from a vacation rental in unincorporated Lassen County is covered by the county's general Noise Ordinance. Research indicates the county updated its noise rules in 2021 (Ordinance No. 2021-004), replacing an older 1989 ordinance, and that the standards are codified in the county code's noise provisions (Chapter 9.65). The ordinance establishes one-hour-average sound-level limits, evaluated at the property line of the parcel receiving the noise, with separate (lower) limits at night than during the day; reporting around the update referenced a daytime level in the range of about 60 decibels. These limits apply to the property regardless of whether it is owner-occupied or rented to guests, so a host is responsible for guest noise that exceeds the limits, particularly amplified music, late-night gatherings, and outdoor noise. Because the figures in Table 1 of the ordinance set the controlling decibel limits and hours, operators should review the current text of Chapter 9.65 or confirm the exact daytime/nighttime limits with Planning and Building Services, which administered the noise element update. Beyond the decibel ordinance, persistent disturbances can also be addressed as a nuisance or as a disturbance handled by the Sheriff's Office. No STR-specific quiet-hours section is cited because the county relies on this general ordinance.