10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Larimer County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
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).
Fort 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 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).
Fort 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.
Neither the Larimer County noise ordinance nor Fort Collins § 20-23 sets a dog-specific decibel figure. Persistent barking is handled as a noise disturbance/unreasonable noise and through animal-control complaints to Larimer Humane Society.
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.
Fort 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 from stereos, speakers or instruments is judged against the same dB(A) table: 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) after 8 p.m. in Fort Collins residential zones (50 db(A) after 7 p.m. in the county). Pure tones drop the cap 5 dB(A).
Fort Collins Mun. Code § 20-23(a), (b)
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. If the noise source in question is a pure tone, the limits set forth above shall be reduced by five (5) dB(A).
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.
Fort 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.
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.
Fort 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).
Fort Collins § 20-23 sets day/night dB(A) caps by zone: 55/50 residential, 60/55 commercial, 70/65 employment, 80/75 industrial. Unincorporated Larimer County and Colorado's statute (C.R.S. § 25-12-103) use the same residential-to-industrial tiers.
Fort Collins Mun. Code § 20-23
Residential (R-L, U-E, R-F and mixed-use/conservation zones): 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 55; 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50. Commercial/Downtown: 60 / 55. Employment (E): 70 / 65. Industrial (I): 80 / 75. When a noise source can be identified and its noise measured in more than one zoning district, the limits of the most restrictive zoning district shall apply.
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.
Fort 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.
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).
Fort 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].
2 cities in Larimer County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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