Boulder, CO Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Boulder, CO?
| Regulation | Details for Boulder, CO |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 303-441-3333 |
11 PM - 7 AM (general), 9 PM - 7 AM (lawn care), 7 AM - 5 PM (construction)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Boulder, CO Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Boulder, CO?
Boulder, CO noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 5-9 B.R.C. 1981, prohibit unreasonable noise through specific decibel limits and quiet hours. Residential areas generally have a 55 dBA limit. Amplified sound is restricted if audible over 100 feet at night (11 PM - 7 AM) or 200 feet during the day (7 AM - 11 PM) in residential zones, ensuring community peace and welfare.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dBA (7 AM - 11 PM) | 55 dBA (11 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified (general non-vehicular, but amplified sound has distance limits) | Not specified (general non-vehicular, but amplified sound has distance limits) |
Note: Sound from any non-vehicular source shall not exceed 55 dBA in residential, mixed-use, and industrial zones. Motor vehicle sound in the public right-of-way shall not exceed 80 dBA, except vehicles over 10,000 lbs may not exceed 88 dBA. Measurements are on the 'A' weighting scale.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction work for which a permit is issued is deemed industrial sound from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Light construction work in a residential zone is deemed commercial sound from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Power tools audible off property are prohibited in residential zones between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Amplified sound is not considered construction work activity.
- Amplified Sound:
Electronically amplified sound or noise is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if audible 100 feet or more beyond the property line in a residential district, or 150 feet or more in commercial/industrial districts. Between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. in residential districts, amplified sound is prohibited if audible 200 feet or more beyond the property line.
- Animals:
Nuisance complaints related to animals are handled by the Animal Protection Unit.
- Vehicles:
Sound from a motor vehicle in the public right-of-way shall not exceed 80 dBA; vehicles 10,000 lbs and above may exceed 80 dBA but not 88 dBA. Motor vehicles must have a properly maintained muffler and exhaust system without cut-offs or bypasses. Amplified sound from a motor vehicle is prohibited if audible 25 feet or more away, or if it emits felt vibrations. Snow removal equipment with standard muffling is exempt.
- Lawn & Garden Equipment:
Operation of lawn mowers, leaf blowers, or other power lawn/gardening tools is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within, or within 100 feet of, any residential district.
- Trash Pickup:
Trash pickup with a truck that has a compactor or the capacity to raise and dump dumpsters is prohibited in residential or business zones between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boulder, CO Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Boulder, CO?
11 PM - 7 AM (general), 9 PM - 7 AM (lawn care), 7 AM - 5 PM (construction). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Boulder, CO?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dBA (7 AM - 11 PM) during the day and 55 dBA (11 PM - 7 AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Boulder, CO?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Boulder, CO police non-emergency line at 303-441-3333. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 303-441-1875.