Yolo County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Quiet Hour Threshold
- 10:00 p.m.
- Code Citation
- Yolo County Code Sec. 8-2.306(k)(4)-(5)
- Small Project After 10 p.m.
- Minor Use Permit required
- Large Project After 10 p.m.
- Major Use Permit required
- State Noise Backstop
- California H&S Code Sec. 46000 et seq.
Summary
For bed and breakfast and farm stay special events, Yolo County Code Sec. 8-2.306(k)(4)-(5) requires a Minor Use Permit if a small project involves 'noise generating activities after 10 p.m.' and a Major Use Permit for large projects with the same nighttime noise.
Small special event facilities are allowed with the issuance of a Site Plan Review in the A-N and A-X agricultural zones and in the RR-5 residential zone. Small special event facilities are allowed with a Minor Use Permit in the A-R zone and in the RR-1 and R-L residential zones. Small special events facilities are allowed by right with building permits only in the A-C and A-I zones, provided that the project is designed to be compatible with any adjoining agricultural operations and single family residences. At the discretion of the Planning Director, a Minor Use Permit may be required for a small project if there are any agricultural, residential, vehicle access, traffic, or other compatibility issues, or if any of the development standards are not met. A Minor Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m. Large special event facilities require the issuance of a Minor Use Permit in the A-N and A-X zones. At the discretion of the Planning Director, a Major Use Permit may be required for a large project if there are any agricultural, residential, vehicle access, traffic, or other compatibility issues, or if any of the development standards are not met. A Major Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m.
Full Breakdown
Yolo County Code Sec. 8-2.306(k)(4) (small special event facilities, by reference to B&B / farm stay events) provides: 'At the discretion of the Planning Director, a Minor Use Permit may be required for a small project if there are any agricultural, residential, vehicle access, traffic, or other compatibility issues, or if any of the development standards are not met. A Minor Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m.' Sec. 8-2.306(k)(5) provides: 'A Major Use Permit shall be required if the project involves noise generating activities after 10 p.m.' for large facilities. The county has no specific decibel limit in the zoning code for residential STR-style operations; instead, the post-10-p.m. noise standard escalates the discretionary-permit tier for any farm stay or B&B holding events. Quiet-hour enforcement defaults to California Health and Safety Code Sec. 46050 (noise control act) and county sheriff response to disturbance complaints.
Violations & Fines
Operating noise-generating activities after 10 p.m. without the upgraded Minor or Major Use Permit is a zoning violation subject to abatement and citation by the Planning Director. Repeat disturbance complaints may also trigger sheriff enforcement under general nuisance and disturbing-the-peace statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there quiet hours for Yolo County short-term rentals?
What if my guests have a loud party at 11 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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