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Bend, OR Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: Bend Code § 5.50.025(B)(5)
Covered equipment: AC, heat pumps, pool pumps, blowers, motors, compressors
Standard: Must be muffled so not unnecessarily loud next door
Applies: At all hours, citywide, no zone exception
Penalty: Class A civil infraction, up to $10,000 for repeats

Summary

Bend Code § 5.50.025(B)(5) makes it a violation to run air conditioning, heating, heat pump, refrigeration, pool or hot tub pump, blower, engine, motor or compressor equipment that is not muffled enough to avoid being unnecessarily loud to a neighboring property. The rule applies citywide, at any hour, on top of the zoned dBA limits in § 5.50.020.

B. Except as provided in BC 5.50.035, Permits, the following acts are violations of this chapter: ... 5. ... The operation of air conditioning or heating units, heat pumps, refrigeration units (including those mounted on vehicles), swimming pool or hot tub pumps, blower, power fan, internal combustion engine, electric motor, compressor or similar machinery that is not sufficiently muffled so as not to be unnecessarily loud to a person located on a property other than the source of the sound.

View official code

Full Breakdown

015(D) defines as sound that interferes with normal spoken communication or that could reasonably disturb sleep. 020: 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime for a residential receiving property, or 85/80 dBA for a non-residential one. 025(B)(6). 035 if equipment cannot be brought into compliance. 040.

Violations & Fines

Violating Bend Code § 5.50.025(B)(5) is a Class A civil infraction under § 5.50.040, with penalties running from a $250 maximum for a first offense within a year up to $10,000 for a fourth or later offense within a year of the previous one. The property owner may be cited along with anyone else responsible for the noise, and each day the equipment runs in violation counts separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my neighbor's AC unit violate Bend's noise code?

Yes. Bend Code § 5.50.025(B)(5) makes it a violation to operate air conditioning, heat pump, pool pump, blower, motor or compressor equipment that is not muffled enough to avoid being unnecessarily loud to someone on another property, regardless of the time of day.

Is there a decibel number for HVAC noise specifically?

No fixed number applies just to equipment; § 5.50.025(B)(5) uses the standard 'unnecessarily loud,' but a complaint can also be measured against the general zoned limits in § 5.50.020, such as 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime for a residential receiving property.

What is the penalty for a noisy compressor or pump in Bend?

It is a Class A civil infraction under Bend Code § 5.50.040. The maximum fine is $250 for a first violation within a year, rising to $1,500, $5,000 and $10,000 for a second, third and fourth or later violation within that year.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bend Code § 5.50.025, Prohibited Noises

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