Noise Ordinances in Westminster, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Westminster or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westminster has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Barking Dogs

Westminster considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. CRS §18-9-202 covers dogs at large statewide.

Key details: Threshold: Continuous/excessive. Agency: Westminster Animal Control. First Step: Warning letter. State Law: CRS §18-9-106.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Leaf Blower Rules

Westminster has no leaf blower-specific ban. General noise ordinance limits apply during operation. Gas-powered blowers remain widely used in Colorado.

Key details: Restrictions: General noise limits only. Gas Blowers: Not restricted. Air Quality: CDPHE state level. Hours: Must respect quiet hours.

Exceeding noise limits during quiet hours: $150 to $500. No specific leaf blower penalties.

The rules around leaf blower rules in Westminster lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Construction Hours

Westminster allows construction typically 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays. Sunday and holiday work generally restricted.

Key details: Weekday: 7 AM to 7 PM. Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM. Sunday: Restricted/prohibited. Emergency: Exempt.

First offense: $200 to $500. Stop-work orders for violations outside permitted hours. Repeat offenses: up to $1,000.

Quiet Hours

Westminster enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under CRS §18-9-106 (Disturbing the Peace).

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Day Limit: ~55 dBA residential. Night Limit: ~50 dBA residential. State Law: CRS §18-9-106.

First offense: warning or citation $150 to $500. Repeat violations may escalate. Class 1 petty offense under CRS §18-9-106: up to $500 fine.

Amplified Music & Events

Westminster regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. CRS §18-9-106 applies.

Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: CRS §18-9-106. Quiet Hours: Strictly enforced.

Noise violation: $150 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disturbing the peace: Class 1 petty offense up to $500.

The Bottom Line

Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Westminster 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.