Noise Ordinances in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Leaf Blower Rules

Aurora does not ban gas leaf blowers citywide but restricts loud power equipment via the general noise ordinance, which limits residential operation to reasonable daytime hours.

Key details: Gas blower ban: No citywide ban in Aurora. Typical allowed hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. residential. Enforcement: Aurora Code Enforcement via Access Aurora 311. HOA rules: May impose tighter limits than city. Court: Aurora Municipal Court for repeat violations.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/co/aurora/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The rules around leaf blower rules in Aurora lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Industrial Noise

Industrial and commercial noise in Aurora must stay within zone-based decibel limits at receiving property lines and is regulated under Municipal Code Chapter 94.

Key details: Industrial to residential: Around 55 dBA daytime limit. Industrial to industrial: Up to 80 dBA daytime. Nighttime: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. stricter limits. Enforcement: Aurora Code Enforcement. Mitigation: Attenuation walls and operating hour limits.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise in Aurora from Buckley Space Force Base and Denver International Airport is preempted by federal FAA regulations and not controlled by local ordinance.

Key details: Federal preemption: FAA regulates aircraft in flight. Buckley SFB: F-16 and transport training missions. DIA: Major commercial approach corridor. Buckley complaints: Buckley Community Relations office. DIA complaints: Denver airport noise hotline and WebTrak.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.buckley.spaceforce.mil/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Aurora is more permissive than most cities when it comes to aircraft noise. That said, there are still limits.

Outdoor Music

Outdoor music at venues, parks, and residences in Aurora must comply with Chapter 94 decibel limits and end amplified sound by 10 p.m. absent a special event permit.

Key details: End time: Amplified music typically ends by 10 p.m.. Special events: Permit allows higher limits and later hours. Residential limit: 55 dBA daytime at property line. Park concerts: Require Aurora PROS permit. Complaints: Aurora Police non-emergency or 311.

Decibel Limits

Aurora enforces decibel limits measured at the receiving property line, with residential zones capped around 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime under Chapter 94.

Key details: Residential day: Around 55 dBA at property line. Residential night: Around 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Commercial day: Around 60 to 65 dBA. Industrial: Up to 80 dBA. Tonal penalty: 5 dB added for pure tones or impulses.

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music in Aurora is regulated under Chapter 94 of the Municipal Code with decibel limits at the property line and a nighttime quiet period beginning at 10 p.m.

Key details: Daytime limit: 55 dBA at residential property line. Nighttime limit: 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Special events: Permit required for higher levels. Enforcement: Aurora Police and Code Enforcement. Complaint line: Access Aurora 311 or non-emergency police.

Quiet Hours

Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance Section 4.4.8 sets residential noise limits of 55 dBA during the day (7 AM-9 PM) and 45 dBA at night (9 PM-7 AM), measured at the property line. City Code Section 94-107 separately prohibits unnecessary noise and disturbing the peace.

Key details: Daytime Limit: 55 dBA (7 AM–9 PM). Nighttime Limit: 45 dBA (9 PM–7 AM). Code: UDO §4.4.8, City Code §94-107. Report Violations: 303-739-7000.

Violation of Section 94-107 (disturbing the peace) is a municipal offense. State law CRS 18-9-106 makes disturbing the peace a Class 1 petty offense with fines up to $500.

Barking Dogs

Aurora's animal code under Chapter 14 addresses barking dogs as a nuisance. Dogs that bark, howl, or make noise excessively may be subject to animal control enforcement. Aurora Animal Services handles complaints and can issue citations.

Key details: Code: City Code Ch. 14. Enforcement: Aurora Animal Services. Approach: Progressive enforcement. Licensing: Required for all dogs.

Nuisance animal violations are handled through progressive enforcement by Aurora Animal Services. Repeated violations may result in municipal court citations.

Construction Hours

Aurora restricts construction to 7 AM-6 PM on weekdays and 12 PM-6 PM on weekends. Special permits may be issued for after-hours work in cases of urgent necessity or when public health and safety would not be impaired.

Key details: Weekdays: 7 AM–6 PM. Weekends: 12 PM–6 PM. After-Hours Permit: Up to 3 days for urgent need. Complaints: 303-739-7280.

Construction outside permitted hours without a special permit is a code violation. Report violations to Code Enforcement at 303-739-7280 or neighborhood@auroragov.org.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Aurora gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.