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

Because the City of Merced has not adopted a short-term-rental ordinance, there are no STR-specific quiet hours or guest-conduct standards in the code. Noise from a short-term rental is therefore governed by the same citywide rules that apply to every household. The Merced Municipal Code addresses noise and disturbances through its general noise regulations and nuisance provisions, which prohibit loud, unreasonable or disturbing noise that disrupts the peace and quiet of a neighborhood. These rules apply regardless of whether the occupants are owners, long-term tenants, or short-term guests, and they are typically enforced by complaint and by the police department or code enforcement. Hosts remain responsible for their guests' conduct as a practical matter, and repeated disturbances can be treated as a public nuisance. This is different from the unincorporated Merced County STR program, which expressly ties short-term rentals to the county noise ordinance and quiet hours and can use that link to suspend an STR permit; the city has no equivalent STR permit to suspend. Because the specific decibel limits and quiet-hour windows are set out in the city's general noise provisions rather than an STR chapter, hosts should review the city's current noise regulations and any nuisance ordinance directly and confirm details with the city.