How to document ongoing noise issues

Overview of noise documentation

If your noise report has been processed and actions have been taken by the Noise Program, but you still don’t see any improvement, please document the issue and email additional information to noisecomplaints@portlandoregon.gov. The more details you provide, the better we can assist in managing the noise.

To help us best serve you, please document issues over the course of 15 days before sending an update. Allow at least 10 days for us to respond. 

Documentation to send us:

• Original report number from the confirmation email, if available
• Noise description, including what is making the noise and what it sounds like
• Noise patterns, including dates and times they occurred. 
  For the noise to be investigated, it should be consistent. Observe if the noise is repeating regularly (e.g., every day at the same time or for extended periods). Unpredictable, intermittent noises or sounds that only happen occasionally without a pattern cannot typically be investigated by the Noise Program or may not be subject to enforcement.

How to take educational noise measurements using a smartphone

You can use a smartphone/tablet app to measure noise levels for informational purposes. However, decibel levels measured with a smartphone may not be as accurate as those taken with a certified and calibrated sound level meter. Due to differences in accuracy and potential measurement uncertainty, the Noise Program is unable use smartphone readings for official purposes.

Step 1: Choose a noise measurement app

Download a reliable sound level meter app for your phone or device. The app should be accurate and include these features:

• Certified Accuracy
• “A-weighting” option (dBA)
• LAmax reading

Some options are:

• NIOSH Sound Level Meter (iOS iPhone)
• Decibel X (iOS iPhone & Android)
• Sound Meter (Android)

Step 2: Select an appropriate location

Find a quiet place to take your measurements, away from other sounds. It’s best to have a clear view of the noise source and to stay at least 5 feet away from walls or windows. If you’re outside, wait for calm, dry weather – rain or wind can affect the results.

Step 3: Hold your smartphone correctly

Hold your phone in front of you, at arm’s length away from your body, and at your ear level, or use a tripod. 

Keep the phone’s microphone unobstructed, and make sure your hand is not covering it (usually the microphone is at the bottom of the phone).  You can hold the phone with one or both hands, but keep your arms straight. Your body can interfere with the sound measurements. When you bend your arms or hold the phone too close to your body, the microphone may pick up sound from your movements or clothing. 

Most noise measurement apps work regardless of how the phone is positioned, but for better accuracy, point the microphone toward the noise source. If you're unsure, check the app’s instructions for any specific guidance.

Do not place your phone on a table or any other objects, as this could distort the readings. Surfaces like tables can reflect or absorb sound, which might affect the accuracy of the noise measurement. 

View full size image of Recording sound using a sound measuring app on a tripod near a busy bar. Women holding a phone facing a crane.

Step 4: Start the app and record noise data

Open the app and watch for the noise reading in decibels (dB) or A-weighted decibels (dBA). For Portland’s Noise Code, you’ll need the dBA reading, which better reflects how we hear sound. 

Start the app and try to record for about 5 minutes. The app will show the highest sound level (LAmax), which is what you’ll compare with local noise limits.

When you press Start, or record, the app isn’t recording audio. It’s just reading how loud the environment is, measuring the amount of sound energy. It calculates the sound level in decibels (dBA), like a thermometer measuring temperature, but for noise. 

Find the pause or stop button on the screen and tap it when you're done measuring. Once you stop, the app will show you different numbers about the noise levels you just recorded. Look for the LAmax value, which represents the highest sound level recorded during your measurement. This is the key number to compare with the maximum permissible sound levels in our Noise Code.