Noise from Specific Sources in Eugene, OR

Eugene maintains 116 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Eugene falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Delivery Truck Noise

Eugene bars loading or unloading vehicles, and opening, closing, or destroying boxes, crates, and containers, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance, under EC 6.750(c). The rule targets overnight delivery and dock noise near homes.

Key details: Restricted hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Governing section: EC 6.750(c). Covers: Vehicle loading, box/crate handling. General fine: Up to $200 per violation. Civil penalty cap: Up to $2,000/day.

Loading or unloading noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that violates EC 6.750(c) is punishable by a fine of up to $200 under EC 6.992, or the city manager can instead pursue an administrative civil penalty of up to $2,000 per day under EC 6.995 and EC 2.018, after an attempt at voluntary correction and a written correction order. Decisions can be appealed to a hearings officer under EC 2.021.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Eugene caps noise from residential heat pumps, fans, air conditioners, stationary pumps, cooling towers, and compressors installed after the 2023 ordinance's effective date at 60 dBA measured anywhere on the property line of the affected residential property, under EC 6.750(f) of the Environmental Noise Disturbance chapter.

Key details: Noise cap: 60 dBA at property line. Applies to: Equipment installed after Jan. 24, 2023. Governing section: EC 6.750(f). General fine: Up to $200 per violation. Civil penalty cap: Up to $2,000/day.

Operating post-2023 residential HVAC or pump equipment above the 60 dBA property-line limit in EC 6.750(f) is punishable by a fine of up to $200 under EC 6.992, or the city manager may impose an administrative civil penalty of up to $2,000 per day under EC 6.995 and EC 2.018, after attempting voluntary correction. Penalty decisions can be appealed to a hearings officer under EC 2.021.

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

Eugene caps low-frequency industrial and commercial noise under EC 6.752, setting octave-band sound pressure limits at noise-sensitive properties. At 31.5 Hz the ceiling is 68 dBA by day and 65 dBA at night; at 63 Hz it drops to 65 dBA by day and 62 dBA at night, measured at the property line or 25 feet from the source.

Key details: Governing section: EC 6.752(3), added January 23, 2023. 31.5 Hz daytime limit: 68 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.). 31.5 Hz nighttime limit: 65 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). 63 Hz limits: 65 dBA day / 62 dBA night. Applies to: Residential, school, church, hospital, library property.

Violating EC 6.752 is enforced under the general Chapter 6 penalty at EC 6.992: a fine of up to $200 for each violation, since no more specific fine applies to this section. City noise-control staff or police measure the source with a calibrated meter against the table, and each day the source keeps exceeding the limit can support a separate citation. A source owner who wants relief must seek a variance from the city manager rather than simply ignoring the standard.

The Bottom Line

Eugene'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 Eugene is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Eugene 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.