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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Portland, ME
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Indoor entertainment has a 92 dBA limit, averaged over one minute, measured eight feet from the means of egress or outer wall. General construction noise is prohibited before 7 AM and after 6 PM, and all day Sundays and six legal holidays, with a reported 60 dB limit at the lot line outside these hours."
AI Executive Summary
Portland, ME's city code prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises disturbing the comfort, health, peace, or safety of others (Chapter 17). Construction in residential zones faces a 50 dB limit from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Sept-May). Entertainment venues have specific amplified sound decibel limits (92 dBA indoors) and restricted hours. Violations incur fines starting at $100.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
In residential (R-zones) areas, from September 1st to May 31st, no person shall engage in construction activities generating noise exceeding fifty (50) decibels between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, within 500 feet. Generally, construction noise is prohibited before 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m. daily, and all day on Sundays and six legal holidays. In the B-3 Downtown Business Zone, construction and maintenance activities are exempted between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Amplified Sound
Operating any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or other sound-producing device in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring inhabitants and passers-by is prohibited. The use of loudspeakers or amplifiers for commercial advertising or public attraction is considered loud and unnecessary noise. Indoor entertainment without an 'Expanded Entertainment Addendum' is generally permitted from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day, with a 92 dBA limit. After-hours entertainment is from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Animals
No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noises which shall either annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, which includes animal noises.
Vehicles
Loading or unloading of scrap metal into or from ships, vessels, or barges is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Creation of loud, unnecessary or unusual noises on public rights-of-way that annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others is prohibited. This includes sounding horns except as a danger warning.
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