Noise Regulations in Portland Oregon

Maximum Permissible Sound Levels

The general sound levels in Portland, as measured at the property line of the receiving property, are as follows:

Receiver Zone |Day Hours (7 a.m. - 10 p.m.) |Night Hours (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.)

Residential |55 dBA |50 dBA*

Residential |60 dBA |55 dBA*

Residential |65 dBA |60 dBA*

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.