Noise Regulations in Portland Oregon: Difference between revisions
From hmis
 Created page with "==Daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) == ===Home equipment:=== '''Indoors:''' Sound must not exceed 60 dBA when measured at the lot line.  '''Outdoors:''' Lawnmowers, riding tractors, and small garden tools: Must not exceed 80 dBA, measured at 25 feet or the lot line, whichever is further.  '''General sound:''' No specific general limit is provided for daytime hours, but the code states that sound shall not "injure or endanger the safety or health of humans; or annoy or di..."  | 
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==Daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) ==  | ==Daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) ==__NOTOC__  | ||
===Home equipment:===  | ===Home equipment:===  | ||
'''Indoors:''' Sound must not exceed 60 dBA when measured at the lot line.  | '''Indoors:''' Sound must not exceed 60 dBA when measured at the lot line.  | ||
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'''Land use zones:''' Limits can vary based on the zone (residential, commercial, industrial). For instance, the standard is 65 dBA for a commercial/mixed-use zone and 70 dBA for an employment or industrial zone when measured at the lot line of a dwelling unit, as stated in City of Portland, Oregon code.  | '''Land use zones:''' Limits can vary based on the zone (residential, commercial, industrial). For instance, the standard is 65 dBA for a commercial/mixed-use zone and 70 dBA for an employment or industrial zone when measured at the lot line of a dwelling unit, as stated in City of Portland, Oregon code.  | ||
'''Enforcement:''' The city's noise code (Title 18) is used to address a wide range of issues, including those from amplified sound, commercial and industrial operations, home equipment, and construction.  | '''Enforcement:''' The city's noise code (Title 18) is used to address a wide range of issues, including those from amplified sound, commercial and industrial operations, home equipment, and construction.  | ||
'''Leaf blowers:''' There are separate regulations for leaf blowers that are not covered under the general home equipment rules.  | '''Leaf blowers:''' There are separate regulations for leaf blowers that are not covered under the general home equipment rules.  | ||
Revision as of 18:45, November 3, 2025
Daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Home equipment:
Indoors: Sound must not exceed 60 dBA when measured at the lot line.
Outdoors: Lawnmowers, riding tractors, and small garden tools: Must not exceed 80 dBA, measured at 25 feet or the lot line, whichever is further.
General sound: No specific general limit is provided for daytime hours, but the code states that sound shall not "injure or endanger the safety or health of humans; or annoy or disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivities".
Nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
General rule: No excessive noise is allowed.
Specifics: The code refers to the limits specified in Section 18.10.010 for this time period.
Amplified sound: Sound from devices like speakers is not allowed to be "plainly audible" inside a dwelling unit during these hours.
Other considerations
Impulsive sound: Peak sound pressure levels cannot exceed 100 dB during the day and 80 dB at night, according to Noise Free America.
Land use zones: Limits can vary based on the zone (residential, commercial, industrial). For instance, the standard is 65 dBA for a commercial/mixed-use zone and 70 dBA for an employment or industrial zone when measured at the lot line of a dwelling unit, as stated in City of Portland, Oregon code.
Enforcement: The city's noise code (Title 18) is used to address a wide range of issues, including those from amplified sound, commercial and industrial operations, home equipment, and construction.
Leaf blowers: There are separate regulations for leaf blowers that are not covered under the general home equipment rules.