San Bernardino County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Reasonable-person, not decibel-based
- Response time
- Owner must confirm complaint within 1 hour
- Applies in
- Mountain and Desert Regions, unincorporated only
- Named examples
- Shouting, loud music, barking dogs
Summary
Loud or disturbing noise from a short-term rental in unincorporated San Bernardino County is unlawful under a reasonable-person standard, not a decibel limit.
It is unlawful for any owner, renter, occupant, or guest located at a STR to make or allow to be made, any loud, excessive, or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace or that causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivities in the area. Such noises may include, but are not limited to, shouting, loud laughter, whistling, singing, playing a musical instrument, playing loud music or noise from sound making or sound amplifying devices, and barking dogs.
(2) The standard for enforcement of this Section is the "reasonable person" standard. The inquiry is whether the noise would disturb the peace or cause discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person under similar circumstances.
(3) Factors that may be considered in determining whether a violation of this Section has been committed include, but are not limited to, the following:
(A) The level of noise;
(B) The level and intensity of ambient noise, if any;
(C) The proximity of the noise to the reporting party;
(D) The time of day or night the noise occurs;
(E) The duration of the noise;
(F) Whether the noise is constant, recurrent, or intermittent; and
(G) Whether the noise is produced by a mechanical or electronic device.
(j) Safety.
(1) Solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits are prohibited in the Mountain Region.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 84.28.070(i) bans loud, excessive, or intrusive noise from any STR owner, renter, occupant, or guest that disturbs the peace or causes discomfort to a reasonable person nearby: shouting, loud laughter, music, sound equipment, and barking dogs are named examples. Enforcement weighs noise level, ambient noise, proximity, time of day, duration, and whether the noise is constant or intermittent, not a fixed decibel cap. STR owners/agents must be reachable 24/7, confirm complaint validity within one hour, and take corrective action including eviction of renters if needed.
Violations & Fines
Complaint-driven code enforcement; a substantiated violation can lead to permit suspension or revocation and civil, criminal, or administrative action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for STR noise in San Bernardino County?
How fast must an STR owner respond to a noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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