Noise Complaints

No person shall knowingly create, permit, or assist in the creation or continuance of any noise disturbance. Except when allowed by a permit issued by the City, the following are noise disturbances:

• Sound Equipment  - Sound Equipment. It is unlawful to operate or use, or to permit the operation or use, of sound producing, amplifying, or reproducing equipment in such a manner that the sound produced thereby is plainly audible:

  • Within any noise sensitive property, other than the place where the sound originates;

  • or on public property or public right-of-way located one hundred fifty feet from the place where the sound originates.

• Animals - It is unlawful to keep, or permit the keeping of, any animal that barks, cries, whimpers, crows, clucks, or makes any other sound on a frequent or continuous basis for 15 minutes or longer and that is plainly audible within a noise sensitive property, other than the place where the sound originates. For more information, see Animal Regulations.
• Power Equipment - It is unlawful to operate, or to permit the operation of, any power equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For more information regarding construction noise, see the Noise & Work Hour Variance Application.
• Dynamic Braking Devices - It is unlawful to use a dynamic braking device on any motor vehicle, except to avoid imminent danger to persons or property.
• Idling Engines on Motor Vehicles - It is unlawful to operate an idling engine for more than 15 consecutive minutes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Motor Vehicle Repair and Testing - It is unlawful to repair or test any motor vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that is plainly audible within a noise sensitive property.

Exceptions

• Government Facilities - Sounds emanating from parks, libraries, or other government facilities that comply with rules or regulations promulgated by the government authority that owns or manages the facility;
• Community Events - Sounds created by community events, such as: events, parades, public fireworks displays, street fairs, school events, athletic events, and festivals approved by the City or other governmental entity with authority over the location of the community event;
• Emergency Sounds - Sounds caused by emergency work, emergency equipment, vehicles and apparatus, regardless of whether such work is performed by a public or private agency, or upon public or private property, and emergency warning devices and alarm systems;
• Industrial, Agricultural, Construction and Demolition - Sounds caused by industrial, agricultural, construction, or demolition activities when performed during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week or otherwise under a permit issued by the City or other governmental authority with jurisdiction;
• Traffic - Sounds caused by regular vehicular traffic emanating from premises open to the public in compliance with state law. Regular vehicle traffic does not include a single vehicle that creates noise or sound in violation of this Chapter;
• Holiday Sounds - Sounds caused by legal fireworks on the third of July, Fourth of July, and the Friday and Saturday during the weekend closest to the Fourth of July of each year; between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and sounds made between midnight and 12:30 a.m. on January 1 of each year; and
• Federal and State Law - Sounds regulated by federal or state law, including: but not limited to, sounds caused by railroads or aircraft.

To report a noise complaint while it is occurring, please call police non-emergency at 503-629-0111.