Noise Ordinances in Gresham, OR

Gresham maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Gresham falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Leaf Blower Rules

Gresham exempts domestic tools like leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers from the city's noise limits only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; outside that window the general Noise Control Code decibel and audibility limits apply.

Key details: Domestic tool exemption: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. only. Outside that window: general noise limits apply. Night limit elsewhere: 50 dBA, 10pm-7am. Day limit elsewhere: 60 dBA, 7am-10pm. Max fine: $1,000 per violation.

Sound that falls outside the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. exception and violates the underlying dBA or audibility limits can draw a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), enforced under GRC 7.20.060.

Aircraft Noise

Gresham requires heliport developers to submit a professional acoustical study and noise-mitigation plan before a heliport can win Special Use Review approval, addressing flight paths, speeds, hours of use, and buffers near noise-sensitive properties.

Key details: Review type: Type II Special Use Review. Residential setback: 200 feet for landing/takeoff pads. Other setback: 50 feet from other lines. Buffer: 20-foot landscaped buffer required. State filing: ODOT Aeronautics Section application.

Building or operating a heliport without City Special Use Review approval, the required acoustical/mitigation plan, or the ODOT Aeronautics Section application blocks permit issuance and exposes the operator to code enforcement.

Compared to other cities, Gresham takes a harder line on aircraft noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Construction Hours

Construction, industrial, and agricultural noise is exempt from Gresham's Noise Control Code only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; work outside those hours needs an off-hours right-of-way permit or it's treated as unpermitted noise.

Key details: Exempt construction hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.. Off-hours work: needs right-of-way permit. Governing section: GRC 7.20.050(6) and (10). Max fine: $1,000 per violation.

Construction noise outside the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. exemption window, without an off-hours right-of-way permit, can draw a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), with enforcement under GRC 7.20.060.

Decibel Limits

Gresham's noise code sets hard decibel ceilings measured at a neighboring noise-sensitive property: 50 dBA overnight from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and 60 dBA during the day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Key details: Night limit: 50 dBA, 10pm-7am. Day limit: 60 dBA, 7am-10pm. Measured at: Neighboring noise-sensitive property. Max fine: $1,000.

Exceeding either dBA threshold is a violation subject to a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), and the offending equipment may be seized and impounded under GRC 7.20.060(1).

Vehicle Noise

Vehicle engines and exhaust systems count as a regulated sound producing source under Gresham's noise code: loud aftermarket exhausts or revving engines off normal street traffic must stay under the city's decibel limits.

Key details: Regulated source: Vehicle engines, exhaust systems. Night limit: 50 dBA, 10pm-7am. Day limit: 60 dBA, 7am-10pm. Max fine: $1,000.

Exceeding the dBA limit carries a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), and an officer may seize and impound the offending equipment under GRC 7.20.060(1).

Quiet Hours

Beyond its decibel meter test, Gresham separately bans any sound that's simply 'plainly audible' inside a neighbor's home or 50 feet into the public right-of-way between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Test: Plainly audible, no meter needed. Right-of-way distance: 50 feet. Max fine: $1,000.

Plainly audible sound during the 10 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew is a violation subject to a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4).

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Playing amplified music or using any sound-amplifying device in a Gresham city park, trail, or open space requires a use permit from the parks manager: unpermitted amplification is a code violation citywide.

Key details: Rule: Permit required for amplified sound. Max fine: $500. Applies to: Parks, trails, open spaces. Authority: Parks manager.

Amplifying sound in a park without a permit is a code violation carrying a fine up to $500, and a peace officer or the manager may also expel the violator from the park.

Compared to other cities, Gresham takes a harder line on amplified music & outdoor sound. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Gresham is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Gresham, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Gresham's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.