The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Portland, OR
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Portland protect residents from noise?
55 dB day / 55 dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Portland, OR?
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Portland's quiet hours: 10 PM to 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 Portland?
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Portland's residential noise limits: 55 dBA dB(A) during the day and 55 dBA dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 60 dBA. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Portland?
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Call the Portland police non-emergency line at 503-823-3333. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 503-823-7350. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Portland?
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Portland's noise violation penalties: Violations may result in warnings, requests to reduce noise, fines, or other penalties. Persistent violations may be subject to hearings.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Portland?
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Portland's rules: 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.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 503-988-7387 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Portland?
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Portland's construction noise rules: 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.. 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 Portland?
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Yes. Portland's ordinance: 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.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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