How Salt Lake City Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Salt Lake City maintains 165 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 Salt Lake City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Construction Hours

Salt Lake City bars construction and demolition equipment noise in residential and commercial zones from 9 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 9 AM on Sundays and holidays.

Key details: Restricted hours (weekdays/Sat): 9 PM-7 AM. Restricted hours (Sun/holidays): 9 PM-9 AM. Zones covered: Residential and commercial districts. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor, per-day offense. Enforcement: Salt Lake Valley health department.

Violation is a class B misdemeanor; each day the noise continues is a separate offense under 9.28.090, and the city can pursue additional remedies under 9.28.100.

Vehicle Noise

Salt Lake City requires every motor vehicle to keep a working muffler and bars exhaust modifications that boost engine noise, while capping drive-by sound at 80 to 88 dBA measured 25 feet from the lane.

Key details: Muffler requirement: Working muffler required at all times. Noise limit, light vehicles: 80 dBA, 10,000 lb GVW or less. Noise limit, heavy vehicles: 88 dBA for heavier trucks. Measurement point: 25 feet from nearest traffic lane. Default penalty: Infraction under Title 12.

Running a modified or missing muffler, or exceeding the dBA limits, is an infraction under Title 12 unless designated a misdemeanor, enforced by Salt Lake City police with a citation and court-set fine.

Decibel Limits

Salt Lake City caps stationary industrial noise at 75 dBA overnight and 80 dBA daytime, measured at the property line under Salt Lake City Code § 9.28.060.

Key details: Industrial limit, night: 75 dBA (9pm-7am). Industrial limit, day: 80 dBA (7am-9pm). Measured at: property/boundary line. Enforcement: Salt Lake Valley Health Dept.. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor, per day.

Class B misdemeanor per violation; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, plus injunction or restraining order as a public nuisance.

Aircraft Noise

Salt Lake City bans new homes, schools, and hotels in high-noise airport influence zones near the international airport, unless builders add sound attenuation and air circulation systems to offset aircraft noise.

Key details: Zone A dB requirement: 25-30 dB sound attenuation. Residential in Zone A: Prohibited outright. Review authority: Building official (Ch. 18.88). Also required: Recorded avigation easement.

Building in Zone A without required air circulation and 25-30 dB sound attenuation blocks permit approval and occupancy; the building official withholds certificates of occupancy.

This is one of the stricter rules in Salt Lake City's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Salt Lake City requires a permit before running loudspeakers or amplified music outdoors on streets, sidewalks, parks or public property once the sound violates zone noise limits or disturbs others.

Key details: Governs: Outdoor loudspeakers & amplified music. Permit issuer: Salt Lake Valley Health Department. Curfew: 9 PM-7 AM weekdays/Saturdays. Residential limit: 50 dBA night, 55 dBA day. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor, per-day.

Class B misdemeanor; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the noise may also be abated as a nuisance by court injunction.

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

Quiet Hours

Salt Lake City bars audible radios, TVs, and musical instruments between 9 PM and 7 AM (9 AM on Sundays/holidays) if plainly audible at the property line.

Key details: Curfew window: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Sunday/holiday window: 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Test: Plainly audible at property line. Enforcement: Salt Lake Valley Health Dept. Penalty class: Class B misdemeanor.

Violating § 9.28.040 is a class B misdemeanor per § 9.28.090, and the city or health department can also seek injunctive relief under § 9.28.100.

Barking Dogs

Salt Lake City code makes excessive, continuous, or untimely barking a declared animal nuisance, exposing the owner to citation regardless of intent.

Key details: Governing section: § 8.04.370(B)(6). Standard: Excessive, continuous, or untimely barking. Enforcement: Salt Lake City Animal Services. Max penalty: $5,000 fine / 180 days.

Violation is a class B misdemeanor or civil penalty under section 1.12.050, up to a $5,000 fine, 180 days in jail, or both.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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