Salt Lake City, UT Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential nighttime limit
- 50 dBA (9 PM-7 AM)
- Residential daytime limit
- 55 dBA (7 AM-9 PM)
- Measured at
- property boundary
- Enforcement
- Salt Lake Valley Health Dept
- Hardship relief
- permit under § 9.28.070
Summary
Generators count as a stationary noise source and can't push sound past 50-55 dBA in residential zones under the city's noise ordinance.
STATIONARY NOISE SOURCE: Any device, fixed or movable, which is located or used on property other than a public right of way. ... It is a violation of this chapter for any person to operate or permit to be operated any stationary source of sound ... Residential 50 dBA [9PM-7AM] / 55 dBA [7AM-9PM]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Salt Lake City doesn't single out generators, but its noise ordinance defines a "stationary noise source" as any device, fixed or movable, used on property other than a public right of way -- which covers portable and standby generators alike. Running one so it creates sound above 50 dBA (9:00 PM-7:00 AM) or 55 dBA (7:00 AM-9:00 PM) at a residential property boundary violates City Code § 9.28.060. Commercial-agricultural zones get 55/60 dBA, industrial zones get 75/80 dBA. Salt Lake Valley Health Department enforces the chapter and can grant hardship permits under § 9.28.070.
Violations & Fines
Class B misdemeanor per § 9.28.090; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the city or health department can seek injunctive relief under § 9.28.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Salt Lake City have a specific generator noise rule?
What's the daytime limit for generator noise near homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
Compare Salt Lake City to another location·View the Utah noise from specific sources overview
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Generator Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle generator noise.