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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Eugene, OR
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Strict enforcement during quiet hours."
AI Executive Summary
Eugene, OR's noise ordinance, primarily Eugene Code (ECC) 4.080 and 4.083, prohibits noise disturbances, including amplified sound plainly audible in another dwelling or 50 feet on public property between 10 PM and 7 AM. Construction and demolition activities are restricted to 7 AM to 7 PM. Specific decibel limits apply to residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Constructing, demolishing, altering, or repairing any building, street, sidewalk, driveway, sewer, or utility line is prohibited between 7 PM and 7 AM the following day. Sounds from leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and general construction are typically exempt between 7 AM and 10 PM, but specific code for construction hours indicates a 7 PM end time.
Amplified Sound
Operating or permitting the use of any device for sound production, amplification, or reproduction (e.g., radio, musical instruments, loudspeakers) between 10 PM and 7 AM the following day so as to be plainly audible within any dwelling unit not the source of the sound, or on public property/right-of-way plainly audible 50 feet or more from the device (unless authorized by the city). No exemption for music or voices without a city-granted variance.
Animals
Keeping any animal or fowl that causes vocal or other sounds on a sustained basis during a 15-minute period constitutes a noise disturbance. Barking dogs continuously for 15 minutes or more can be reported.
Vehicles
Operating an idling engine for more than 15 consecutive minutes if plainly audible within any dwelling unit between 10 PM and 7 AM. Discharging exhaust without a muffler is prohibited, except for licensed vehicle spectator sports activities between 7 AM and 10 PM.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Eugene protect residents from noise?
65 dB day / NaN dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Eugene, OR?
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Eugene's quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM (for amplified sound and general noise disturbances). Construction and related activities are restricted between 7 PM and 7 AM.. 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 Eugene?
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Eugene's residential noise limits: 65 dBA (general daytime limit); Mechanical devices not to exceed 60 dBA at property line. 70 dBA at 50 feet restriction on single-family property does not apply if operated for fewer than 10 minutes in a 60-minute period. dB(A) during the day and Not explicitly specified, but general noise disturbance rules apply. dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Commercial/industrial noise not to exceed 60 dBA (one-hour equivalent sound pressure level) at the property line of affected residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4). Impulse sounds (other than blasting) 100 dB peak (7 AM - 10 PM); Blasting 98 dBC slow response (7 AM - 10 PM).. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Eugene?
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Call the Eugene police non-emergency line at 541-682-5111. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 541-682-5819. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Eugene?
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Eugene's noise violation penalties: Violation of noise disturbance is an offense with fines up to $500. Failure to cease within 30 minutes after notice or citation, or a similar noise disturbance within 6 months, can result in fines up to $1,500.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Eugene?
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Eugene's rules: Keeping any animal or fowl that causes vocal or other sounds on a sustained basis during a 15-minute period constitutes a noise disturbance. Barking dogs continuously for 15 minutes or more can be reported.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 541-687-4060 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Eugene?
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Eugene's construction noise rules: Constructing, demolishing, altering, or repairing any building, street, sidewalk, driveway, sewer, or utility line is prohibited between 7 PM and 7 AM the following day. Sounds from leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and general construction are typically exempt between 7 AM and 10 PM, but specific code for construction hours indicates a 7 PM end time.. 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 Eugene?
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Yes. Eugene's ordinance: Operating or permitting the use of any device for sound production, amplification, or reproduction (e.g., radio, musical instruments, loudspeakers) between 10 PM and 7 AM the following day so as to be plainly audible within any dwelling unit not the source of the sound, or on public property/right-of-way plainly audible 50 feet or more from the device (unless authorized by the city). No exemption for music or voices without a city-granted variance.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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