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

Noise control for vacation rentals in unincorporated Mariposa County is built into the use standards of Section 17.108.180 rather than a separate STR noise law. The general use standard states these establishments 'shall not be detrimental to the district or to adjoining areas, including residential areas, by reason of appearance, traffic, noise, dust, smoke, or odor,' and excludes any use whose normal operation 'causes objectionable traffic, noise, dust, smoke or odor to be emitted, radiated, or carried beyond the boundaries of the property.' Subsection I requires posting an 8-1/2 x 11 inch written notice in each rental unit that includes, among other items, subsection I.2: 'Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and shall be strictly enforced,' along with a statement on respecting adjacent property owners' rights and trespassing concerns (I.7). Subsection J requires a weather-proof 5 x 7 inch notice at or near the main entrance with the owner's or manager's name and phone number, and that person 'must be available by phone in case of an emergency' - the practical mechanism for neighbors to report noise. These provisions reflect Ordinance 1116 (2016). The County's general noise standards in its zoning/General Plan may impose additional limits, but the STR-specific quiet-hour rule is the 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. window in 17.108.180(I.2).