Portland, OR Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Portland, OR?
| Regulation | Details for Portland, OR |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 503-823-3333 |
10 PM to 7 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Portland, OR Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Portland, OR?
Portland, OR noise ordinances, primarily found in Title 18 of the City Code, prohibit noise disturbances and set quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM daily for sounds plainly audible in dwelling units. Decibel limits vary by zone (residential, commercial, industrial) at the property line, with specific restrictions for construction, amplified sound, and animal noise.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dBA | 55 dBA |
| Commercial | 60 dBA | 60 dBA |
Note: Decibel limits are measured at the property line. Impulse noise sources are limited to 100 dB during day hours and 80 dB during night hours.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction noise is prohibited before 7 AM and after 6 PM on all days, and all day on Sundays and six legal holidays. Noise exceeding 60 dBA at the lot line is also prohibited during permitted hours. Commercial construction equipment and commercial transport vehicles are exempt from the general 10 PM - 7 AM quiet hours if not plainly audible in a dwelling unit.
- Amplified Sound:
It is unlawful to cause or permit any noise disturbance. Sounds plainly audible in any dwelling unit between 10 PM and 7 AM are prohibited.
- Animals:
Repetitive barking, whining, screeching, howling, or braying that lasts for a minimum of ten continuous minutes or thirty intermittent minutes and is plainly audible beyond the owner's property, causing annoyance or disturbance, is prohibited.
- Vehicles:
The normal operation of vehicles designed and used for commercial transportation of passengers, and vehicles being loaded or unloaded, are exempt from the 10 PM - 7 AM quiet hours if not plainly audible in a dwelling unit. Motor vehicles are covered in rare cases.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland, OR Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Portland, OR?
10 PM to 7 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Portland, OR?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dBA during the day and 55 dBA 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, OR?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Portland, OR police non-emergency line at 503-823-3333. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 503-823-7350.