Salt Lake City's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Salt Lake City, Utah, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Salt Lake City taverns, bar establishments, and brewpubs approved as conditional uses must cap sound at the district noise limit and keep amplified sound off outdoor areas.

Key details: Sound measurement point: 15 feet from exterior wall/door. Outdoor amplified sound: Prohibited entirely. Live entertainment location: Must be fully enclosed indoors. Applies to: Taverns, bars, brewpubs (conditional use). Sound limit source: City Code Ch. 9.28 district levels.

Violating conditional use conditions can trigger permit revocation by the City; separately, exceeding Chapter 9.28 sound limits is enforced as a noise ordinance violation with fines under § 9.28.090.

Compared to other cities, Salt Lake City takes a harder line on bar & nightclub noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Delivery Truck Noise

Salt Lake City bans loud loading and unloading of delivery trucks between 9 PM and 7 AM (9 AM on Sundays/holidays) if it violates the noise ordinance.

Key details: Quiet hours: 9 PM to 7 AM weekdays/Saturdays. Sunday/holiday quiet hours: 9 PM to 9 AM. Covered activity: Loading, unloading, handling containers. Enforcement: Salt Lake Valley Health Department. Penalty class: Class B misdemeanor.

Class B misdemeanor under section 9.28.090; enforced by the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, with additional civil remedies available under section 9.28.100.

Generator Noise

Generators count as a stationary noise source and can't push sound past 50-55 dBA in residential zones under the city's noise ordinance.

Key details: Residential nighttime limit: 50 dBA (9 PM-7 AM). Residential daytime limit: 55 dBA (7 AM-9 PM). Measured at: property boundary. Enforcement: Salt Lake Valley Health Dept. Hardship relief: permit under § 9.28.070.

Class B misdemeanor per § 9.28.090; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the city or health department can seek injunctive relief under § 9.28.100.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Salt Lake City treats outdoor air conditioners, heat pumps and other HVAC condensers as stationary noise sources, capping their sound at 50 dBA overnight and 55 dBA daytime at a residential property line.

Key details: Residential limit, night: 50 dBA, 9pm-7am. Residential limit, day: 55 dBA, 7am-9pm. Pure-tone/hum equipment: Limit reduced 5 dBA. Enforcing agency: Salt Lake Valley Health Dept.. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor per day.

Violations are a class B misdemeanor, with each day of continued excess noise a separate offense; the Health Department can also pursue injunctive nuisance abatement.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Salt Lake City'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.