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Step 1 of 3Gresham, OR
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The Gresham Noise Control Code primarily uses a 'plainly audible' standard at specified distances rather than explicit decibel limits for sound. For instance, sounds are prohibited if 'plainly audible' between 7 AM and 10 PM at 100 feet, or at 50 feet on a public right-of-way. Vibration limits in VdB are specified for different property categories."
AI Executive Summary
Gresham, OR's Noise Control Code, Article 7.20 of the Gresham Revised Code, prohibits sounds "plainly audible" at specified distances during certain hours. General quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, with specific regulations for construction, amplified sound, and vehicle noise. Violations may lead to fines up to $1,000, and motor vehicle noise violations can incur fines up to $500 or jail time.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Sounds from industrial, agricultural, or construction activities are permitted between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Blasting activities require a permit and are restricted to 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Amplified Sound
Plainly audible spoken speech, music, or mechanical/electronic noise is prohibited between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM if audible at 100 feet from the source, or at 50 feet on a public right-of-way.
Animals
Unattended barking dogs at rental properties are prohibited by City of Gresham Revised code. For barking dog complaints, residents are advised to contact Multnomah County Animal Control.
Vehicles
Motor vehicles must have a muffler in good working order. Operating a vehicle to cause tire squealing, except for emergency braking, is prohibited. Motor vehicle noise levels on public rights-of-way or public places must not exceed maximum permissible sound levels.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Gresham protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Gresham, OR?
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Gresham's quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM (general residential quiet hours), but some activities like construction are allowed 7 AM - 10 PM.. 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 Gresham?
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Gresham's residential noise limits: Not specified (based on 'plainly audible' standard) dB(A) during the day and Not specified (based on 'plainly audible' standard) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified (based on 'plainly audible' standard). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Gresham?
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Call the Gresham police non-emergency line at 503-823-3333. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 503-618-2248. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Gresham?
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Gresham's noise violation penalties: Violation of any provision of the Noise Control Code may be subject to a fine up to $1,000. For motor vehicle noise standard violations, penalties can include a fine not exceeding $500, a jail term not exceeding 90 days, or both.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Gresham?
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Gresham's rules: Unattended barking dogs at rental properties are prohibited by City of Gresham Revised code. For barking dog complaints, residents are advised to contact Multnomah County Animal Control.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 503-988-7387 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Gresham?
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Gresham's construction noise rules: Sounds from industrial, agricultural, or construction activities are permitted between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Blasting activities require a permit and are restricted to 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.. 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 Gresham?
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Yes. Gresham's ordinance: Plainly audible spoken speech, music, or mechanical/electronic noise is prohibited between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM if audible at 100 feet from the source, or at 50 feet on a public right-of-way.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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