Short-term rentals in San Jose are subject to the same noise standards as all other residential property. SJMC Chapter 10.16 sets a quiet-hours period from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with reduced nighttime decibel limits at the property line, and STR operators must designate a local contact reachable around the clock to respond to noise and nuisance complaints under SJMC Title 20 Chapter 20.80 Part 2.5.
San Jose does not publish a separate STR-only noise ordinance; instead, STR guests and operators must follow the citywide noise rules in SJMC Chapter 10.16. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. During the daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), residential noise generally must not exceed 55 dBA at the property line; nighttime limits drop to about 45 dBA for one- and two-family residential zones, with stricter limits for sound equipment that is plainly audible past the property line. The general police-power nuisance provisions in Title 10 also apply to amplified music, parties, and other disturbances. On top of the citywide rules, San Jose's Incidental Transient Occupancy framework in SJMC Title 20 Chapter 20.80 Part 2.5 conditions STR use on minimizing impacts to neighbors: operators must designate a local contact person who is available 24/7 to receive and promptly respond to complaints (including noise), maintain compliance with applicable housing code (Chapter 17.20) and parking and trash standards, and limit guests to the occupancy levels established by the ordinance. Repeated noise or nuisance complaints can be cited by Code Enforcement and the Police Department under Chapter 10.16 and may also support enforcement against the STR registration itself under Chapter 20.80.
Violations of Chapter 10.16 are typically enforced through Police Department response, administrative citations, and escalating fines. Chronic noise or nuisance issues at an STR can also trigger Code Enforcement action under Chapter 20.80, including orders to cease the short-term rental use.
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