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Step 1 of 3Denver, CO
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Limits apply to noise crossing property lines. Exempted special events on public property may reach 85 dB(A) between 8 AM and 10 PM at the nearest residential properties. Colorado state law aligns with these limits."
AI Executive Summary
Denver, CO noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 36 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code, prohibit excessive noise to preserve public peace and welfare. It establishes specific decibel limits for residential and commercial areas, differentiating between day and night. The ordinance addresses construction, amplified sound, and vehicle noise, with violations potentially resulting in fines up to $5,000 per day.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Plainly audible construction noise is prohibited between 9 PM and 7 AM on weekdays, and between 5 PM and 8 AM on weekends. Setup and teardown noise for events is exempt Monday-Friday 7 AM - 9 PM and Saturday/Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM.
Amplified Sound
No amplification, including music and PA systems, before 8 AM and after 10 PM for events. Permitted events on public property can reach 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential properties from 8 AM to 10 PM, then 50 dB(A) from 10 PM to 7 AM, and 55 dB(A) from 7 AM to 8 AM. Events on private property with a permit can emit up to 85 dB(A) for up to eight days annually, with no more than four consecutive days per event and a mandatory 30-day interval between events lasting two or more days.
Animals
Noise associated with animals, such as barking dogs, is covered under Chapter 8 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code and is enforced by Denver Animal Protection.
Vehicles
Horns are only to be sounded as a warning to prevent accidents or inform of a vehicle's presence. The use of compression engine brakes within city limits is prohibited. Deliveries are generally prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM if they exceed sound pressure limits, excluding construction site deliveries.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Denver protect residents from noise?
55 dB day / 50 dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Denver, CO?
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Denver's quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM (residential). During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Denver?
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Denver's residential noise limits: 55 dB(A) (7 AM - 10 PM) dB(A) during the day and 50 dB(A) (10 PM - 7 AM) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 60 dB(A) (7 AM - 7 PM). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Denver?
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Call the Denver police non-emergency line at 311 (Enforces Chapter 38 for disturbance of peace/prohibited noises). For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 311 (Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) enforces Chapter 36). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Denver?
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Denver's noise violation penalties: Failure to comply with the Denver Noise Ordinance may result in administrative citations up to $5,000.00 per day.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Denver?
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Denver's rules: Noise associated with animals, such as barking dogs, is covered under Chapter 8 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code and is enforced by Denver Animal Protection.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 311 (Denver Animal Protection enforces Chapter 8 for animal-related noise) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Denver?
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Denver's construction noise rules: Plainly audible construction noise is prohibited between 9 PM and 7 AM on weekdays, and between 5 PM and 8 AM on weekends. Setup and teardown noise for events is exempt Monday-Friday 7 AM - 9 PM and Saturday/Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Denver?
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Yes. Denver's ordinance: No amplification, including music and PA systems, before 8 AM and after 10 PM for events. Permitted events on public property can reach 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential properties from 8 AM to 10 PM, then 50 dB(A) from 10 PM to 7 AM, and 55 dB(A) from 7 AM to 8 AM. Events on private property with a permit can emit up to 85 dB(A) for up to eight days annually, with no more than four consecutive days per event and a mandatory 30-day interval between events lasting two or more days.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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