Multnomah County, OR Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 50 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Day limit
- 60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Enforcement
- Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
- Variance
- Apply to Sheriff under § 15.271
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Summary
Multnomah County has no film-specific noise permit: its general Sound Control Law caps sound at 60 dBA daytime, 50 dBA at night, or any plainly audible sound after 10 p.m., enforced by the Sheriff in unincorporated areas only.
It shall be unlawful for any person to produce or permit to be produced, with a sound producing device, sound which: (A) When measured at or within the boundary of the property on which a noise sensitive unit which is not the source of the sound is located, or, within a noise sensitive unit which is not the source of the sound, exceeds: (1) Fifty dBA at any time between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day; or (2) Sixty dBA at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the same day;
Full Breakdown
The county's Sound Control Law, § 15.269, bars sound-producing devices, PA systems, generators, amplified music, from exceeding 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or 60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., measured at a neighboring noise-sensitive unit, plus a plainly-audible standard for right-of-way sound after 10 p.m. Film production carries no exemption; § 15.270's exceptions cover athletic events, emergency work, federally regulated transport, and blasting, not shoots. A producer needing to exceed these limits must apply to the Sheriff for a variance under § 15.271. The law applies only in unincorporated county land, not Portland, which has its own noise rules.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 50 dBA at night or 60 dBA by day, or being plainly audible after 10 p.m., is a Class A violation fined per state law, with each day a separate offense; the Sheriff can also impound the sound equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Multnomah County issue film permits?
Does this apply to a shoot in Portland?
Can a film crew get an exception to the noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
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