Noise Ordinances in Portland, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Portland or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Portland has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Decibel Limits
Portland sets exterior noise limits under PCC 18.10: 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with 5 to 10 dBA bonuses for commercial and industrial receiving zones.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/code/18/10) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Leaf Blower Rules
Portland regulates leaf blowers under PCC Chapter 18.10 noise code; gas blowers are restricted by time of day and Multnomah County has phased rules tied to state air-quality guidance.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/code/18/10) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Outdoor Music
Outdoor music at Portland venues and events typically requires a Noise Variance and must end by 10 PM in residential-adjacent areas without a specific approval.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/noise/variances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified music in Portland must meet PCC 18.10 decibel limits and cannot be plainly audible at 100 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/code/18/10) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Industrial Noise
Industrial noise in Portland must meet PCC 18.10 receiving-zone limits; industrial sources adjacent to residential cannot exceed 55 dBA night or 60 dBA day at the property line.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/code/18/10) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise around Portland International Airport (PDX) is governed by federal law (FAA) rather than Portland City Code. The Port of Portland operates a voluntary FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program, runs a 24/7 noise complaint system, and publishes annual noise contour maps. The City of Portland cannot regulate aircraft in flight or restrict airport operations.
Key details: Primary Authority: FAA (federal preemption); Port of Portland Part 150 Program. City Code: PCC 18.02 exempts aircraft from local noise regulation. Noise Hotline: Port of Portland 24/7 complaint line (flypdx.com). Sound Insulation: Homes inside 65 DNL contour may qualify for Port-funded insulation. Local Fines: None — federally preempted.
Because federal law preempts local enforcement, there are no City of Portland fines for aircraft noise. Complaints filed with the Port of Portland are routed to the FAA and the operator; persistent violations of FAA-published noise abatement procedures may result in FAA action against a pilot or airline certificate. Residents who believe their home qualifies for Port sound-insulation programs should contact the Port's Noise Office directly.
Quiet Hours
Portland City Code Title 18 (Noise Control) sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily, with stricter residential sound limits during those hours. Daytime maximum sound at a residential property line is 75 dBA; nighttime is 60 dBA. The Portland Noise Office in the Bureau of Development Services administers permits and complaints.
Key details: Primary Code: PCC Title 18 (Noise Control), Chapters 18.10 and 18.12. Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily. Daytime Limit: 75 dBA at residential property line. Nighttime Limit: 60 dBA at residential property line. Construction Hours: 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-6pm weekends (PCC 18.12).
Civil penalties under PCC 18.16 start at $150 for a first violation and escalate to $250 and $500 for repeat offenses within one year. Construction outside permitted hours without a variance may also trigger a stop-work order from BDS. Amplified-sound and party complaints after 10:00 p.m. are handled by the Portland Police with discretion to issue citations under PCC 14A.30 (Disorderly Conduct) in addition to noise penalties.
Barking Dogs
Barking dog complaints in Portland are handled by Multnomah County Animal Services, not the City of Portland. Under Multnomah County Code (MCC) Chapter 13.018, a dog that disturbs the peace by repeated or persistent barking is a public nuisance, and the county can issue civil citations to the owner after a documented complaint and warning.
Key details: Jurisdiction: Multnomah County Animal Services (not City of Portland). Primary Code: MCC Chapter 13.018 (Public Nuisance — Noise). Evidence Required: Barking log; often second household complainant. First-Step Enforcement: Written warning letter to owner. Typical First Citation: $150 civil infraction.
Civil infraction citation under MCC 13.018 — typically $150 for a first violation, with higher amounts for subsequent citations. Continued violations after citation may lead to mandatory mediation, license revocation, or in extreme cases a court-ordered abatement. Owners may appeal citations to the Multnomah County Hearings Office.
Construction Hours
Portland City Code Section 18.10.060 permits construction 7 AM–6 PM Monday through Saturday. Construction is prohibited before 7 AM, after 6 PM, all day Sundays, and on 6 legal holidays. Daytime limit is 85 dBA at 50 feet.
Key details: Permitted Hours: 7 AM–6 PM, Monday–Saturday. Prohibited: Before 7 AM, after 6 PM, all day Sundays, 6 legal holidays. Daytime Limit: 85 dBA at 50 feet. Loud Equipment: Jackhammers/pile drivers: exempt from dBA limit during daytime only. Code: PCC 18.10.060.
Prohibited outside permitted hours absent variance. Citations issued by Portland Police Bureau.
The Bottom Line
Portland'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 Portland is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Portland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.