How Gresham Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Gresham maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 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.

Quiet Hours

Gresham Revised Code §7.20 regulates noise. Residential areas must not exceed 50 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM, or 60 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM at the property line.

Key details: Nighttime Limit: 50 dBA (10 PM – 7 AM). Daytime Limit: 60 dBA (7 AM – 10 PM). Code Section: GRC §7.20. Complaints: Code Compliance division.

Noise violations are subject to citations and fines. Repeated violations may result in escalating penalties.

Construction Hours

Gresham permits construction activities between 7 AM and 10 PM per GRC §7.20. Construction noise outside these hours is prohibited in residential areas.

Key details: Allowed Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM. Prohibited: 10 PM – 7 AM. Code Section: GRC §7.20. Weekends: Same hours apply.

Construction outside allowed hours results in citations and fines. Stop work orders may be issued for persistent violations.

Barking Dogs

Gresham addresses barking dogs through noise and animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is a violation enforceable through Code Compliance and Multnomah County Animal Services.

Key details: Enforcement: Code Compliance / County Animal Services. Documentation: Record dates, times, duration. Process: Warnings first, then citations. County: Multnomah County.

Owners receive warnings followed by citations with fines. Repeated violations may result in designation as a nuisance animal.

The Bottom Line

Gresham'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 Gresham is broadly strict or permissive.

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.