Eugene, OR Environmental Rules: Vehicle Idling Restrictions (2026)

EC 6.750(b) declares it a noise disturbance to operate an idling engine for more than 15 consecutive minutes in a manner plainly audible within any dwelling unit between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. the following day. 'Plainly audible' is defined in EC 4.080(1)(b) as sound whose content, such as musical rhythms, spoken words, vocal sounds, or engine noise, the listener can clearly hear. The rule applies only during the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. window, only when the idling is audible inside a dwelling that is not the source of the noise, and only once idling has run continuously for more than 15 minutes; a shorter warm-up does not trigger the section on its own.

EC 6.755 exempts idling by emergency vehicles responding to or from an emergency, as defined in ORS 801.260, and idling connected to city, county, or state maintenance work. An operator who cannot avoid extended nighttime idling, such as a refrigerated delivery truck or generator, can apply to the city manager for a variance under EC 6.755(2), which requires a written application, a fee under EC 2.020, and neighborhood notice before a decision within 14 to 30 days. EC 6.750 was last amended by Ordinance No. 20680, effective January 24, 2023.