The City of Portland’s Noise Control Code (Title 18) sets noise limits for certain types of activities at particular times of the day and night. The aim of the noise code is to protect residents from the harmful effects of noise while providing allowances for events, construction and other noise-generating activities that support the growth of our communities and the economy.
The current Noise Control Code has not undergone significant changes since 2001. With a growing population, expanding urban areas, and evolving industries, the noise landscape has become more complex. Managing noise is crucial for a healthy urban environment. This is why the Noise Program is working to amend and update the city's Noise Control Code, and we invite your participation in this effort.
Timeline
This project launched in the fall of 2023. Public input is being sought through the spring of 2025. A final draft of proposed changes to the City of Portland's Noise Control Code will be shared for further input in the summer of 2025 before it is submitted to the City Council for its consideration in the fall of 2025.
Amending the Noise Control Code is a collaborative process between City staff, community members, businesses, the Noise Review Board (NRB), and industry experts and stakeholders who make up the Noise Advisory Workgroup (NAW). We will collect community input, feedback, and support throughout this effort.
What is being proposed
Some key questions under consideration for updating the Noise Control Code include:
- Should noise level distinctions between indoor and outdoor environments be maintained, or are they unnecessary?
- Why are there different daytime and nighttime noise regulations for multiple types of equipment? Could these be standardized?
- How can we simplify the Code Section 18.10 Maximum Permissible Levels to improve public understanding?
- Does the composition of the Noise Review Board represent all stakeholders and districts within the City of Portland, while also ensuring diversity, including multicultural, multigenerational and BIPOC representation? If not, what changes should be recommended?
We welcome your ideas on other ways we can improve the Noise Control Code.
How to get involved
Your voice matters in this process. We need your input, feedback, ideas and suggestions to make sure the Noise Code reflects the diverse needs of our community. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Attend a monthly Noise Review Board meeting: The Noise Review Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. Information about upcoming Noise Review Board meetings can be found here. Agendas are usually posted one week before the meeting.
- Submit Feedback Online: Unable to attend meetings?
Submit your feedback through our online form.
- Participate in the Noise Program Open House, Nov. 12-15, 2024: This is a designated week for one-on-one meetings with the Noise Program staff. Any stakeholder or community member can engage with the noise program staff to discuss our noise code, bring insights into the amendment project, offer feedback on specific sections of the code, and articulate ideas regarding prospective changes in the code.
To ensure a smooth and personalized experience, we ask that you reserve your preferred time slot for the visit during the open house. Please reserve your spot at the link below or call the Noise Program Coordinator, Juliette Olivella-Lopez, at 503-865-6650, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reserve your spot to participate in the Noise Program Open House.
- Email the Noise Program: You can submit your written comments to noise@portlandoregon.gov. Written testimony must include your full name and address. Be sure to include “Noise Code Comments” in the subject line. We kindly ask that you share your unique, personal comments rather than using templates or pre-written responses. Hearing directly from you in your own words helps us better understand your experience and perspective.
- Stay informed: If you would like to receive updates on upcoming activities related to this project, please subscribe to our distribution list and you will receive project updates, meeting agendas, and other information. To be included, please send an email message to Juliette.olivellalopez@portlandoregon.gov.