How Denver Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide
Denver maintains 158 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Denver falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Car Alarm Limits
Denver treats a car alarm audible outside the vehicle as an unlawful nuisance if it runs past fifteen minutes or trips three or more times in a week without a valid alarm permit.
Key details: Max single activation: 15 minutes. Max weekly triggers: 2 (3rd is a violation). Permit required: Alarm user permit, § 42-106. Code chapter: Ch. 36, Noise Control.
Each 15-plus-minute activation and each instance beyond two triggers in seven days counts as a separate offense; unpermitted alarms are cited as unlawful nuisances under the noise code.
Delivery Truck Noise
Denver's noise code exempts delivery and delivery activities between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. from the sound pressure limits in Table A; overnight deliveries must still meet those numeric limits, and construction-site deliveries follow separate hours.
Key details: Exempt hours: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.. Governing section: DRMC § 36-6(b)(7). Outside exempt hours: Table A dB(A) limits apply. Excludes: construction site deliveries (§ 36-7(a)(7)). Max penalty: $999 fine or 300 days jail.
Violating Table A's sound limits is a criminal offense punishable by up to a $999 fine, up to 300 days in jail, or both: each day is a separate violation.
Generator Noise
Denver limits routine testing of emergency backup generators to 88 dB(A) measured at 25 feet or the property line, confined to 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and capped at one hour per week or two hours per six weeks.
Key details: Testing noise limit: 88 dB(A) at 25 ft or property line. Allowed testing hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Testing frequency cap: 1 hr/week or 2 hrs/6 weeks. Covered facilities: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire-dept-required sites. Enforcing agency: Dept. of Public Health & Environment.
Violating Chapter 36 is a general-penalty offense under DRMC § 1-13: up to a $999 fine, up to 300 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Denver caps commercial noise, including from bars and nightclubs, at 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) overnight where it crosses onto a residential property line.
Key details: Daytime limit (7am-10pm): 55 dB(A) at residential line. Nighttime limit (10pm-7am): 50 dB(A) at residential line. Measured at: Property line of receptor premises. Enforced by: Dept. of Public Health & Environment, Police. Max penalty: $999 fine, 300 days jail.
Violations are criminal under § 1-13 unless otherwise designated, punishable by up to a $999 fine and up to 300 days in jail; each day of continuing violation is a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Denver'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 Denver is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Denver 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.