Portland, ME Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Portland, ME?
| Regulation | Details for Portland, ME |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 7PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (207) 874-8575 |
7PM-7AM (general for residential construction, specific activities vary)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Portland, ME Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Portland, ME?
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.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (general nuisance applies) | 50 dB (for construction activities in R-zones from 7 PM to 7 AM, Sept 1 to May 31, within 500 feet). |
| Commercial | Not specified (general nuisance applies) | Not specified (general nuisance applies, but 92 dBA for indoor entertainment until 1 AM). |
Note: 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.
Specific 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland, ME Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Portland, ME?
7PM-7AM (general for residential construction, specific activities vary). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Portland, ME?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (general nuisance applies) during the day and 50 dB (for construction activities in R-zones from 7 PM to 7 AM, Sept 1 to May 31, within 500 feet). 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 Portland, ME?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Portland, ME police non-emergency line at (207) 874-8575. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (207) 874-8703.