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

Noise control is a specific standard in Sierra County's short-term rental ordinance (Code Section 15.10.060). The ordinance imposes quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily. During those quiet hours, any noise originating from outside locations or from inside the short-term rental unit - including music, parties, gatherings, and barking dogs - that can be easily detected from adjoining properties is prohibited during rental periods. To make the noise standard enforceable, the ordinance requires a designated local contact person or management company representative who is accessible 24 hours per day and able to respond to calls, emails, or appear on site at the STR within 30 minutes. The ordinance also prohibits special events at STRs that can lead to increased traffic, parking problems, noise, or impacts on the sewer system, which targets the large gatherings most likely to generate complaints. The County distributes a Good Neighbor Policy flyer to operators covering quiet hours, parking, fire restrictions, and related expectations. These STR-specific noise rules sit alongside the County's general nuisance authority and California's statewide disturbing-the-peace law (Penal Code Section 415), which the Sheriff can apply to active disturbances regardless of the STR permit.