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

Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.52 (Ordinance 14-11, adopted May 17, 2011) governs all community noise, including short-term rental activity. Maximum exterior noise levels measured at the property line cannot exceed 60 dBA in single-family residential zones or 65 dBA in multifamily residential zones for more than 30 minutes in any hour. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the exterior noise limit for any source within a residential zone is reduced by 10 dBA, and noise measured at the boundary of a residential zone from any other zone shall not exceed 50 dBA for more than 5 minutes per hour. Domestic power tools, sanders, drills, leaf blowers, and similar equipment cannot be operated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays under RMC 9.52.050(h). When noise contains a steady tone, music, or speech, standard limits are reduced by 5 dBA. Enforcement begins with a verbal or written warning; if the disturbance persists more than 5 minutes after warning or recurs within 90 days, the responsible party is guilty of a misdemeanor (RMC 9.52.090, 9.52.120). STR property owners are jointly liable under strict-liability provisions (RMC 9.52.120(a)) and must take all reasonable means to abate violations.