The Portland City Council voted unanimously on June 25 to pass Councilor Jamie Dunphy’s ordinance consolidating the City’s noise code and shifting enforcement to a more transparent and accountable system. After hearing compelling testimony from advocates about the urgent need for this reform, the City Council added an emergency clause, allowing the changes to take effect immediately, just in time for Portland’s peak summer music season.
“This is a win for everyone: our musicians and artists, our small businesses, our neighborhoods, and our city,” said Councilor Jamie Dunphy. “We’re aligning our noise enforcement under one fair, consistent code that supports both cultural vibrancy and community livability.”
The ordinance repeals Portland City Code Chapter 14A.30.010-020, a section of Police code which handled noise complaints under a “plainly audible” standard. Going forward, all noise complaints will fall under Title 18, the City's existing Noise Control Code. Police already have authority to enforce Title 18, and Title 18 also includes a “plainly audible” standard, but gives priority to objective, decibel-based measurements when available, providing greater clarity and fairness for enforcement.
“This ordinance doesn’t eliminate ‘plainly audible’ standards,” Dunphy clarified. “But it brings all noise enforcement under one roof and one set of tools. When decibel readings are available, they take precedence. That’s an important step toward consistency.”
For Portland’s music community, the change is a long-awaited milestone.
"Portland has an incredible opportunity to be a national leader for independent music and culture,” said David “DJ OG One” Jackson, longtime Portland Trail Blazers DJ, former MusicOregon board member, and a vocal advocate for music equity. “But we can’t do that when the rules are unclear or applied unfairly. This reform is about more than decibels- it’s about dignity and a chance for all artists to thrive. I commend Councilor Dunphy for making this happen.”
Jackson added that too often, noise enforcement complaints have been used against communities of color and marginalized artists. “We’ve seen firsthand how bias can creep into subjective standards. This new policy gives us a level playing field.”
Councilor Dunphy first introduced the measure in April, after five years of grassroots advocacy from community groups like MusicPortland, as well as local venue operators and music community leaders. The City’s Noise Review Board officially supported the ordinance.
“This is about making our city work better,” Dunphy said. “We’re supporting our creative economy, improving transparency, and taking steps to make Portland a fairer, more vibrant place to live.”
For more information, including a full copy of Ordinance 192081, visit:
https://www.portland.gov/council/documents/ordinance/passed/192081