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

Because the County has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance, there are no STR-specific quiet hours. Instead, the County's general Noise Ordinance governs all property in the unincorporated area, enforced by the Code Compliance Division within Planning & Development Services. Under County Code Sec. 36.404 (Sound Level Limits), the one-hour-average sound level limits for the most common residential zones (including R-S, R-D, R-R, R-MH, and low-density R-V/R-U) are 50 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Higher-density residential zones (such as R-C, R-M and higher-density R-V/R-U) carry limits of 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime. Limits are measured at the property line of the parcel producing the noise or at the receiving property. The County also addresses impulsive noise under Sec. 36.410. These limits apply to short-term rentals just as they do to any residence, so loud gatherings, amplified music, or generator noise can generate violations. The County investigates noise from sources such as animals, mechanical equipment, and construction; operators should set guest house rules consistent with the nighttime 45 dBA residential limit. California law leaves noise regulation to local jurisdictions.