DRMC chapter 36 (Noise) limits construction equipment to 80 dBA measured at the receiving property line during permitted hours. Construction is banned 9 PM-7 AM weekdays and 9 PM-8 AM weekends except for emergency repair or DOTI special permit.
Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) enforces DRMC chapter 36 noise limits. Construction equipment is held to an 80 dBA limit (slow A-weighted) at the receiving property line during allowed hours of 7 AM-9 PM weekdays and 8 AM-9 PM Saturdays/Sundays/holidays. Outside those hours the lower residential zone limits apply (55 dBA day / 50 dBA night). Permitted operations for highway, utility, transit, or emergency work may receive a noise variance from DDPHE under §36-9. Equipment must use functional mufflers, and impact pile drivers are restricted further. Building Department permits include a noise plan for downtown high-rise work. Denver Office of Special Events coordinates large-scale demolition.
Exceeding DRMC 36 limits is a civil infraction with fines $150 first offense, $500 second, $999 third within a year. Repeat violators may have building permits suspended. Variances obtained by misrepresentation may be revoked and re-issued under penalty.
Denver, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver, CO
Denver restricts construction noise to 7 AM–9 PM Monday–Saturday and 8 AM–5 PM Sunday under DRMC Chapter 36. No construction noise is permitted outside these...
See how Denver's construction equipment noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.