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Multnomah County, OR Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Nighttime limit
50 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Daytime limit
60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Covered devices
Loudspeakers, PA systems, musical instruments
Applies to
Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Enforced by
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Summary

Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Multnomah County must keep loudspeaker, PA, and live music sound at or below 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA overnight at the nearest noise-sensitive property, under the county's Sound Control Law.

City-specific rules exist: Portland has its own bar & nightclub noise rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in Portland, check the city-specific page instead.

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...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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County's Sound Control Law makes it unlawful to produce sound from a "sound producing device" -- defined to include loudspeakers, PA systems, and amplified or unamplified musical instruments -- that exceeds 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., measured at or within a nearby noise-sensitive property. Where no meter reading is taken, sound plainly audible inside a nearby residence, or 50 feet into a public right-of-way, after 10 p.m. is also a violation. The Sheriff's Office enforces it; this only reaches unincorporated county land, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 15.269 is enforced by the Sheriff, who may cite under ORS 153.110-153.310 and seize the sound device; after two prior citations in six months the device can be impounded and forfeited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to bars in Portland?
No. Portland has its own noise code; this county Sound Control Law (§ 15.265 et seq.) only governs unincorporated Multnomah County, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village.
Can a bar get a variance for louder music?
Yes. The operator can apply to the Sheriff under § 15.271 for a time-limited variance, stating the reason and duration; the Sheriff may approve, deny, or condition it within ten days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsHVAC & Mechanical NoiseSome RestrictionsLow-Frequency Bass LimitsSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsSome RestrictionsDelivery Truck NoiseSome RestrictionsGenerator NoiseSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

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Bar & Nightclub Noise in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR