How Beaverton Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide
Beaverton maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Beaverton falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Car Alarm Limits
Beaverton caps a car horn or vehicle alarm sounding on a highway or public-use lot at 10 consecutive seconds, unless it's a danger warning.
Key details: Time cap: 10 consecutive seconds. Exempt use: Danger warning honking. Vehicle alarms: No City permit required. Penalty class: Class I civil infraction.
Class I civil infraction under BC 2.10.010-.050; a Beaverton municipal judge may fine up to $1,000 for a repeat violation within 24 months.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Beaverton bans radios, stereos, boomboxes, and similar devices from producing sound, including heavy bass, that is plainly audible to others, with a 50-foot public-space threshold and a nighttime 50 dBA factor.
Key details: Standard: Plainly audible beyond operator/listener. Public-space threshold: 50 feet from device. Nighttime factor: 50 dBA, 10pm-7am. Penalty: Class I civil infraction. Repeat fine: Up to $1,000.
Violating BC 5.15.030 is a Class I civil infraction under BC 5.15.040, enforced by Beaverton Police; a municipal judge may fine repeat violators within 24 months up to $1,000.
Delivery Truck Noise
Beaverton bars unreasonably loud, raucous, or excessive noise from loading or unloading a delivery vehicle at a business or residence, under BC 5.15.030(I).
Key details: Curfew hours: none fixed -- any time. Covers: loading & unloading noise. Applies at: business & residential deliveries. Violation class: Class I civil infraction. Max fine (repeat): $1,000.
Unreasonably loud, raucous, or excessive delivery-truck loading or unloading noise at a business or home is a Class I civil infraction under BC 5.15.040, fined up to $1,000 for repeats.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in Beaverton can't let unreasonably loud or raucous noise, including from an outdoor patio, reach a nearby noise-sensitive area between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., under BC 5.15.030(G).
Key details: Restricted hours: 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Test: plainly audible at property line. Covers: indoor + outdoor patio areas. Violation class: Class I civil infraction. Max fine (repeat): $1,000.
Loud or raucous bar/nightclub noise, including from a patio, that's plainly audible at a nearby noise-sensitive property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a Class I civil infraction, fined up to $1,000 for repeats.
Generator Noise
Beaverton bans noise from a generator or other internal combustion engine in residential and noise-sensitive areas between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it carries across the property line, under BC 5.15.030(F).
Key details: Restricted hours: 7 p.m.-7 a.m.. Applies in: residential/noise-sensitive areas. Test: audible across property line. Violation class: Class I civil infraction. Max fine (repeat): $1,000.
Running a generator audible across your property line between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in a residential or noise-sensitive area is a Class I civil infraction, fined up to $1,000 for repeats within 24 months.
The Bottom Line
Beaverton's noise from specific sources 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 Beaverton is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Beaverton's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.