Noise Ordinances in Douglas County, CO (2026)
8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Douglas County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
In unincorporated Douglas County (including Highlands Ranch), residential and agricultural zones may not exceed 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., dropping to 50 dB(A) overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Castle Rock and Parker set their own limits.
Douglas County Noise Limits and Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution Section 1703A
The following are the maximum permissible noise levels that may be emitted from lots or parcels within the following zone districts: A-1/LRR/RR/ER/SR/MF/MH -- 55 dB(A) [7:00 a.m. to next 7:00 p.m.]; 50 dB(A) [7:00 p.m. to next 7:00 a.m.].
Construction Hours
Douglas County doesn't set a construction start-and-stop clock; it regulates construction noise by decibel level instead. Under § 1-1703A(3), construction activity is capped at 80 dB(A) between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and drops to 75 dB(A) overnight, for as long as an active construction permit's completion period runs, or otherwise a reasonable completion period the Director sets.
Douglas County Construction Noise Decibel Caps
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1703A(3)
3. In all zone districts, the maximum permissible noise level for construction activities shall not exceed 80 dB(A) between 7:00 a.m. and the next 7:00 p.m., and 75 dB(A) between 7:00 p.m. and the next 7:00 a.m., for the period within which construction is to be completed pursuant to any applicable construction permit issued, or if no time limitation is imposed, for a reasonable period of tim...
Barking Dogs
Animals are specifically excluded from Douglas County's Section 17A noise limits, so barking is not measured in decibels. Instead it is handled as a nuisance under the county's Animal Law and Care ordinance and by Animal Control.
Barking Dogs and the Douglas County Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution Section 1704A.08.4
The following uses and/or activities are excluded from the requirements of Section 1703A: ... 1704A.08 The sound made by: ... 1704A.08.4 Animals.
Leaf Blower Rules
Douglas County has no leaf-blower ban. Instead, Section 17A excludes routine property maintenance from the noise limits, but only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Outside those hours, maintenance noise is not protected by the exclusion.
Leaf Blowers and Yard Maintenance Noise
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution Section 1704A.08.5
1704A.08.5 The maintenance of real property between the hours of 8:00 am and the next 8:00 pm.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Douglas County caps electronic amplifier noise at 55 dB(A) in its Business, Commercial, Light Industrial and General Industrial districts (and comparable Planned Development areas) under § 1-1703A(4). That's the same ceiling as the daytime residential noise cap, applied specifically to speakers, PA systems and amplified music regardless of time of day.
Douglas County Amplified Sound Decibel Limit
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1703A(4)
4. Noise by means of any electronic amplifier shall not exceed 55 dB(A) in the B, C, LI, and GI Districts or similar districts within Planned Developments. § 1-1704A. Specific Exclusions. The following uses and/or activities are excluded from the requirements of § 1-1703A: 1. The operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control. [§ ...
Aircraft Noise
Federal law preempts Douglas County from regulating aircraft noise, so Centennial Airport traffic is expressly excluded from the county's decibel limits. Real protection instead comes through the Centennial Airport Review Area Overlay District: noise zones that bar new houses near the runways, mandatory sound insulation, and a recorded avigation easement.
Aircraft Noise Rules in Douglas County, Colorado
Significant RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1704A, Subsection 1
The operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control. [§ 25-12-103(4), C.R.S.] 2. The use of property for purposes of conducting speed or endurance events involving motor or other vehicles, but such exception is effective only during the specific period of time within which such use of the property is authorized by the Board of County C...
Decibel Limits
Douglas County caps outdoor noise at 55 dB(A) by day and 50 dB(A) at night across its A-1, LRR, RR, ER, SR, MF and MH zone districts, measured at the property line. Short, occasional spikes get some room: the daytime limit can jump 10 dB(A) for up to 15 minutes an hour, but sharp or shrill noises must stay 5 dB(A) below the table.
Douglas County Noise Limits by Zone District
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-1703A (Maximum Permissible Noise Levels)
§ 1-1703A. Maximum Permissible Noise Levels. The following are the maximum permissible noise levels that may be emitted from lots or parcels within the following zone districts: Zone District* 7:00 a.m. to next 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. to next 7:00 a.m. A-1/LRR/RR/ER/SR/MF/MH 55 dB(A) 50 dB(A) * Maximum permissible noise levels within Planned Developments shall be determined by the zone district to ...
Vehicle Noise
Douglas County's Section 17A excludes motor vehicles, motorcycles, off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles from its noise limits. Loud vehicles are instead governed by Colorado's state muffler law, C.R.S. 42-4-225, which bans exhaust modifications that amplify engine noise.
Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Noise
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution Section 1704A.08.2
The following uses and/or activities are excluded from the requirements of Section 1703A: ... 1704A.08.2 Motor vehicles, motorcycles, off-highway vehicles, and snowmobiles.
Noise Ordinances by City in Douglas County
1 cities in Douglas County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Douglas County ordinances
See every category we cover for Douglas County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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