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Noise Ordinances

Denver's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Denver, Colorado, 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.

Quiet Hours

Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM–7 AM (residential). Residential Daytime Limit: 55 dBA. Residential Nighttime Limit: 50 dBA. Code Section: DRMC Chapter 36. Max Fine: $5,000/day.

Administrative citations up to $5,000 per day for serious violations. Initial offenses typically $50–$500.

Construction Hours

Denver restricts construction noise to 7 AM–9 PM Monday–Saturday and 8 AM–5 PM Sunday under DRMC Chapter 36. No construction noise is permitted outside these hours.

Key details: Weekday/Saturday Hours: 7 AM–9 PM. Sunday Hours: 8 AM–5 PM. Code Section: DRMC Chapter 36. Enforcement: DDPHE + Denver PD 311.

Fines up to $5,000 per day. Repeat violations may trigger stop-work orders.

Barking Dogs

Denver DRMC Chapter 8 prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making noise continuously for 10+ minutes or intermittently for 30+ minutes. Enforced by Denver Animal Protection.

Key details: Continuous Barking Limit: 10 minutes. Intermittent Barking Limit: 30 minutes per hour. Code Section: DRMC Chapter 8. Enforcement Agency: Denver Animal Protection (DAP).

Fine of $100–$999 depending on number of offenses. Chronic violators may face animal impoundment.

The Bottom Line

Denver'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 Denver is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Denver'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.