Beaverton's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Beaverton, Oregon, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Barking Dogs

Barking-dog complaints in Beaverton are handled by Washington County Animal Services under Washington County Code Chapter 6.04 (Animals), which defines a public-nuisance dog to include one that disturbs persons by frequent or prolonged barking. Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances) and the city's noise ordinance also apply. Enforcement typically starts with a notice to the owner; repeat or unresolved complaints can lead to citations and, in extreme cases, a public-nuisance declaration.

Key details: Primary Enforcement: Washington County Animal Services (503-846-7041). County Code: Washington County Code Chapter 6.04 (Animals). City Code: Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances). State Law: ORS 609.035, ORS 609.095. Evidence Tip: Keep a written log of barking dates/times/duration.

Owners of dogs that continue to bark excessively after a Washington County Animal Services notice may be cited under Washington County Code Chapter 6.04, with fines and the possibility of a public-nuisance declaration requiring corrective action (containment improvements, training, behavior modification) or, in severe cases, removal of the animal. Violations under Beaverton Code Chapter 5 may also draw municipal civil penalties.

Quiet Hours

Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances - Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which yelling, shouting, whistling, singing, and amplified sound in residential areas is specifically restricted. The city uses a 50 dBA nighttime threshold at the property line of the nearest noise-sensitive property as a primary evaluation factor. Oregon DEQ rules at OAR 340-035 provide the baseline industrial-noise framework (55 dBA day / 50 dBA night).

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. Nighttime Sound Threshold: 50 dBA at noise-sensitive property line. DEQ Baseline: OAR 340-035 (55 dBA day / 50 dBA night). Code: Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Noise Control). Non-Emergency Contact: Beaverton Police 503-629-0111.

Noise violations under Beaverton Code Chapter 5 are civil infractions enforceable by Beaverton Police and city code compliance, typically with warnings on first contact escalating to civil fines (commonly up to $1,000 per violation, with each day a separate violation). Repeated commercial or amplified-sound violations may trigger business-license review.

Construction Hours

Beaverton strictly limits residential construction noise to 7 AM – 7 PM under Municipal Code Section 5.15.030. Construction activities including erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of buildings in or within 300 feet of a residential or noise-sensitive area are prohibited outside these hours except with an emergency permit.

Key details: Permitted Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM only. Applies To: Residential areas and within 300 feet of noise-sensitive areas. Code: Beaverton Municipal Code Section 5.15.030. Emergency Permits: Available from building official, max 10-day duration. Maximum Fine: Up to $1,000 civil fine.

Construction outside permitted hours may result in civil fines up to $1,000. Emergency permits available from the building official for up to 10 days.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Beaverton actively enforces its construction hours requirements.

The Bottom Line

Beaverton's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Beaverton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Beaverton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.