Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Multnomah County

Multnomah County, OR Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical 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.
Applies to: unincorporated county only, not Portland
Enforced by: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Variance: available from Sheriff, time-limited

Summary

Heat pumps, air conditioners, and refrigeration units are regulated sound-producing devices in unincorporated Multnomah County; their noise can't exceed 50 dBA overnight or 60 dBA daytime at a neighboring noise-sensitive unit.

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

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE... (8) Heat pumps, air conditioning units, and refrigeration units, including those mounted on vehicles. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to produce or permit to be produced, with a sound producing device, sound which... 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 lists heat pumps, air conditioning units, and refrigeration units as sound-producing devices, whether mounted on a building or a vehicle. Running one so its noise exceeds 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., measured at or inside a neighbor's noise-sensitive unit, violates county code. The rule applies only in unincorporated Multnomah County. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village enforce their own noise codes. Owners facing a citation can ask the Sheriff for a time-limited variance before installing or running equipment that would exceed these limits.

Violations & Fines

A first offense is a Class A violation fine under § 15.999, with each day of continued excess noise a separate offense; deputies may seize the offending device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply to my HVAC unit in Portland?

No. Multnomah County's Sound Control Law only covers unincorporated areas; Portland enforces its own noise code for heat pumps and air conditioners.

How loud can a heat pump or AC unit run at night?

No more than 50 dBA measured at or inside a neighboring noise-sensitive unit between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., per Multnomah County Code § 15.269(A)(1).

Can I get permission to run noisy HVAC equipment temporarily?

Yes. Apply to the Sheriff for a variance before installing or operating the device; the Sheriff can approve, deny, or condition it within ten days.

Sources & Official References

[1]Multnomah County Code, Chapter 15 (Sheriff — Sound Control)

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew Restrictions Bar & Nightclub NoiseSome Restrictions Low-Frequency Bass LimitsSome Restrictions Car Alarm LimitsSome Restrictions Delivery Truck NoiseSome Restrictions Generator NoiseSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome Restrictions Water Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon noise from specific sources overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, OR Gresham, OR