How Salt Lake City Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Salt Lake City maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 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.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise preempted by FAA under 49 USC 40103. Salt Lake City International Airport operates a voluntary noise abatement program and Part 150 study.
Key details: Preemption: FAA / 49 USC 40103. Airport: SLC Intl Noise Office. Program: Part 150 NCP. Complaint Line: 801-575-2400.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Salt Lake City is more permissive than most cities when it comes to aircraft noise. That said, there are still limits.
Leaf Blower Rules
Leaf blowers permitted 7 AM-8 PM weekdays and 8 AM-8 PM weekends. Salt Lake City has adopted voluntary transition away from gas-powered blowers to reduce air pollution.
Key details: Hours: 7 AM-8 PM weekday; 8 AM-8 PM weekend. Gas Ban: No current ban; voluntary transition. Code: SLC 9.28.060. Air Quality: Wasatch Front non-attainment area.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified sound audible beyond 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM violates SLC 9.28. Special event permits required for public amplification.
Key details: 50-ft Rule: Audible beyond 50 ft after 10 PM prohibited. Permit: Required for public outdoor amplification. Code: SLC 9.28.080. Fine: Up to $1,000.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Salt Lake City takes a harder line on amplified music & events. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Vehicle Noise
Modified exhaust, tire squealing, and loud stereos violate SLC 9.28 and Utah Code 41-6a-1626. Stereo audible 50+ feet is cited.
Key details: Stereo Rule: Audible 50+ feet = violation. Muffler: Required per Utah 41-6a-1626. Fine: $50-$200. Enforcement: SLCPD traffic.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Industrial Noise
Commercial properties limited to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night at residential property lines per SLC 9.28. HVAC and loading dock noise regulated.
Key details: Day Limit: 65 dBA at residential line. Night Limit: 55 dBA. Code: SLC 9.28.050. Trash Pickup: Limited to daytime hours.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Quiet Hours
Salt Lake City quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends per SLC Code 9.28. Residential noise limit is 55 dBA at night.
Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM-7 AM (weekdays); 10 PM-9 AM (weekends). Night Limit: 55 dBA residential. Day Limit: 65 dBA residential. Code: SLC Code Chapter 9.28. Fine: Up to $1,000 (Class B).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Barking Dogs
Habitual barking for 15+ minutes continuously or 30+ minutes intermittently is a nuisance under SLC Code 8.04. Enforced by Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Key details: Threshold: 15 min continuous or 30 min intermittent. Enforcement: Salt Lake County Animal Services. First Fine: $50. Complaint: Affidavit may be required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Construction Hours
Construction noise allowed 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 8 PM weekends/holidays per SLC Code 9.28.060. After-hours work requires a noise variance.
Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM-8 PM. Weekend Hours: 8 AM-8 PM. Code: SLC 9.28.060. Variance: Available from Civil Enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.
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.