Short-term rental guests are subject to Stockton's general noise ordinance (SMC Chapter 8.20), which prohibits radios, TVs, musical instruments, and amplified sound audible beyond 25 feet between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and bars construction, loading, and other amplified noise across residential property lines during the same hours.
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 (Noise Regulations) makes it unlawful to make 'any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood.' Specific 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. restrictions in SMC 8.20.030 include: (1) operating radios, TVs, musical instruments, phonographs, stereos, or amplifiers — prima facie violation if clearly audible beyond 25 feet on public rights-of-way; (2) operating tools or equipment in construction, alteration, demolition, drilling, or repair on private property if the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line; (3) loading, unloading, opening or closing boxes, crates, garbage cans, or building materials in a manner causing a noise disturbance. Burglar alarms sounding continuously for more than 20 minutes also violate the ordinance. Title 16 Chapter 16.60 (Noise Standards) overlays additional zoning-based decibel limits on stationary noise sources. STR operators should post these quiet-hours rules conspicuously inside the unit and in the listing.
Violations of Chapter 8.20 are typically charged as infractions or misdemeanors enforceable by the Stockton Police Department and Code Enforcement. Under California SB 60 (Cal. Gov. Code §53069.4), STR-related noise infractions that pose a threat to health or safety may carry administrative fines up to $1,500 (first), $3,000 (second within one year), and $5,000 (each additional within one year). Repeated noise complaints can also support permit/license revocation under Title 5.
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Stockton, CA
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