Sonoma County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Daytime L50 limit
- 50 dBA (45 dBA quiet hours)
- Outdoor amplified sound
- Prohibited at all times
- Speech/music/barking
- Standards reduced by 5 dBA
- Manager response
- 60 min (30 min in quiet hours)
- Pets
- Must be secured; no nuisance barking
Summary
Sec. 26-88-120(f) sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and applies General Plan noise standards (for example, an L50 limit of 50 dBA daytime and 45 dBA during quiet hours). Outdoor amplified sound is banned at all times. Standards drop 5 dBA for speech, music, or barking.
(f) Performance Standards. 1. Noise Limits. All activities associated with the vacation rental shall meet the general plan noise standards contained below. Quiet hours shall be from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The property owner shall ensure that the quiet hours and limits on outdoor activities are included in rental agreements and in all online advertisements and listings. Hourly Noise Metric, dBA — Activity hours 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Quiet Hours 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.: L50 (30 minutes in any hour) 50/45; L25 (15 minutes in any hour) 55/50; L08 (5 minutes in any hour) 60/55; L02 (1 minute in any hour) 65/60. If the ambient noise level exceeds the standards above, adjust the standard to equal the ambient level, up to a maximum of five (5) dBA above the standard, provided that no measurable increase (i.e. one and one-half (1.5) dBA or more) shall be allowed. Reduce the applicable standards above by five (5) dBA for simple tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring impulsive noises, such as dog barking. 2. Amplified Sound. Outdoor amplified sound shall not be allowed at any time associated with a vacation rental. — Complaints may be reported to the 24/7 Vacation Rental Complaint Hotline at (707) 565-1212; the certified property manager must address the issue within 1 hour or within 30 minutes during quiet hours.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County imposes detailed acoustic limits. Sec. and applies the General Plan hourly noise metrics: an L50 (exceeded 30 minutes per hour) of 50 dBA during activity hours and 45 dBA during quiet hours; an L25 of 55/50 dBA; an L08 of 60/55 dBA; and an L02 (one minute per hour) of 65/60 dBA. The applicable standards are reduced by 5 dBA for simple-tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or recurring impulsive noises such as dog barking. 5 dBA or more is permitted.
Sec. 26-88-120(f)(2) prohibits outdoor amplified sound at any time in connection with a vacation rental. The owner must include the quiet hours and limits on outdoor activities in rental agreements and listings, and every online listing must note both the quiet hours and the no-amplified-sound rule under Sec. 26-88-120(f)(11). Pets, if allowed, must be secured and continual nuisance barking is prohibited under Sec. 26-88-120(f)(3).
Violations & Fines
Noise violations, use of outdoor amplified sound, violations of quiet hours, and unsecured pets or nuisance barking are all enumerated infractions under Sec. 26-88-120(g)(3), citable under Section 1-7.6. The certified property manager must respond within 60 minutes, or 30 minutes during quiet hours, and report the complaint to Permit Sonoma within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours for Sonoma County vacation rentals?
Can guests use outdoor speakers or play amplified music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
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