What is and is not covered by the noise code
The Title 18 Noise Control Code is intended to control the level of noise in a manner that promotes health and the common good. The Noise Code works to reduce unnecessary and extreme sound in the environment to preserve the use, value, and enjoyment of property; conduct of business; and sleep and relaxation.The Noise Code covers noise issues within the City of Portland limits and does not extend to unincorporated Multnomah or Washington Counties.
The City of Portland’s Noise Code (Title 18) defines a noise disturbance is any sound which: “(a) injures or endangers the safety or health of humans; or (b) annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.” The Noise Code typically addresses issues like excessive noise during late-night or early-morning hours, noise levels above allowable limits for certain areas (residential, commercial, etc.), or continuous noise from activities like construction, amplified sound, or equipment.
The Noise Program's primary focus is to address and educate the public on the types of noise regulated by the Noise Code within Portland City limits, including:
- Amplified sounds (speech, music, events, parades)
- Commercial and industrial operations
- Residential HVAC equipment
- Motor vehicles (in rare cases)
- Home equipment and powered tools
- Leaf blowers
- Construction and construction equipment
Based on the Noise Code, the Noise Program does not have the authority to address the following types of noise disturbances:
- Animal noises from residences (i.e., barking dogs)
- Chickens/roosters and urban wildlife
- Aircraft-in-flight
- Train activity regulated by Federal Code
- Vehicle noise
- Watercraft
- Garbage/recycling noise
- Noise from human voices
- Children at play
- Daycare operations
- Emergency warning devices
Noise Code Enforcement
Community members can report possible Noise Code violations using the online form. You will receive a confirmation email with your report number as well as further communication once action has been taken. Wait times can vary based on the volume of reports, typically taking between two to four weeks.
Once a report is submitted, the City’s Noise Program will investigate it:
- We will first determine if the reported noise falls under the types of noises regulated by the Noise Code.
- If it does, we will verify if the activity or event has an approved noise variance allowing it to exceed the noise code standards for a certain period.
- If it does not have a variance, we will scientifically measure the level of noise in decibels based on the zone in which you live or work) to determine if a source of noise violates the code. The table below shows the allowable decibel levels set by the zoning of where the noise is coming from (source zone), as it is heard and measured with a noise meter at a separate property where the noise is heard (receiver zone).
Permissible Sound Levels (7 a.m. to 10 p.m., otherwise subtract 5 dBA)
| Source Zone (where sound is coming from) | Receiver Zone (where sound is received, measured at property line) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | Open space | Commercial | Industrial | |
| Residential | 55 | 55 | 60 | 65 |
| Open Space | 55 | 55 | 60 | 65 |
| Commercial | 60 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Industrial | 65 | 65 | 70 | 75 |
- If the noise level exceeds permissible levels, we may contact the person or business responsible for the noise and issue a warning or request that they reduce it.
- If the violation persists, further actions, such as fines or other penalties, may be taken. In some cases, ongoing noise violations may be subject to hearings, or other actions. You may be contacted for additional information, to follow up on the situation, or to sign Community Noise Log.