Noise Ordinances in Larimer County, CO (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Larimer County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Nighttime quiet runs 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. in unincorporated Larimer County (limit drops to 50 db(A) residential) and 8:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. in Fort Collins (50 dB(A) residential). Daytime residential ceilings are 55 db(A).
Larimer County & Fort Collins Nighttime Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-23; Larimer County Ord. 97-03 §5
8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50. [Residential/mixed-use zones: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 55.] A noise... at a level which is in excess of the dB(A) established for the time period and zoning districts listed in this Section is hereby declared to be a noise disturbance and is unlawful.
Construction Hours
Construction tools are exempt only 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. in Fort Collins (all equipment muffled). Unincorporated Larimer County bars construction/demolition 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. and caps daytime construction noise at 80 db(A).
Construction Noise Hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fort Collins)
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-25(6)
Any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, or demolition, provided that all motorized equipment used in such activity is equipped with functioning mufflers, and further provided that such work takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Leaf Blower Rules
Fort Collins exempts leaf blowers and other lawn/garden power tools only when used 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and generating under 85 dB(A) at a residential property line. Outside those limits they must meet the general noise caps.
Leaf Blowers & Lawn Equipment: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Under 85 dB(A)
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-25(4)
Noise from domestic power tools and lawn and garden equipment operated between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., provided that such tools or equipment generate less than eighty-five (85) dB(A) at or within any real property line of a residential property.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Outdoor music and events fall under the same § 20-23 dB(A) limits (55 day / 50 night in residential zones). Fort Collins lets a stationary source apply for a variance under § 20-27, but capped so noise over 8 hours never exceeds 90 dB.
Outdoor Music, Events & the Variance Path
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-27(f)
Under no circumstances shall the noise level of an activity for which a variance is granted for a period of time in excess of eight (8) hours exceed ninety (90) decibels.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft operation is exempt from Fort Collins noise limits under § 20-25(3) because it is governed by federal law. Neither the city nor Larimer County can set aircraft decibel limits; complaints go to the FAA or the airport operator.
Aircraft Noise Is Federally Preempted
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-25(3)
The provisions of this Article shall not apply to: ...The operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control, and the generation of sound in situations within the jurisdiction of the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Decibel Limits
In Fort Collins Industrial (I) zones the limit is 80 dB(A) (7 a.m.–8 p.m.) and 75 dB(A) (8 p.m.–7 a.m.), measured at the receiving line. Colorado C.R.S. § 25-12-103 and Larimer County use the same 80/75 industrial and 70/65 light-industrial tiers.
Industrial Noise Capped at 80 dB(A) Day / 75 Night
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-23
Areas zoned: Industrial (I) 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 80; 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 75. [Employment (E): 70 / 65.] If the noise source in question is a pure tone, the limits set forth above shall be reduced by five (5) dB(A).
Vehicle Noise
Both Fort Collins (§ 20-28) and unincorporated Larimer County cap vehicle noise identically: heavy vehicles (10,000+ lb GVWR) at 86 dB(A) where posted 35 mph or less and 90 dB(A) above; lighter vehicles and motorcycles at 80 and 84 dB(A).
Motor Vehicle Sound Limits: 80–90 dB(A) by Weight & Speed
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Mun. Code § 20-28(a)
No person shall operate or cause to be operated a public or private motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way at any time in such a manner that the sound level emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle exceeds the levels set forth below: [10,000+ lb GVWR: 86 / 90; any other motor vehicle or motorcycle: 80 / 84].
Noise Ordinances by City in Larimer County
2 cities in Larimer County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Larimer County ordinances
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