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Hillsboro, 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

Night limit
50 dBA, 9 p.m.-6 a.m.
Day limit
60 dBA, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Measured at
property line nearest the source
Governing law
HMC § 6.24.030, Table 6.24.030-A

Summary

Hillsboro caps noise from air conditioners, heat pumps and other mechanical equipment under its general sound ordinance: 60 dBA in daytime hours and 50 dBA overnight, measured at the property line closest to the source.

it is unlawful for any person to produce or allow to be produced, with or from a sound-producing source, sound that exceeds the limits in Table 6.24.030-A:

Table 6.24.030-A, Noise Limits Zone of Noise Producer Zone of Noise Receiver Night (between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day) Day (between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.)

Industrial (I-G, I-P and I-S) Industrial (I-G, I-P and I-S) 70 dBA 70 dBA Industrial (I-G, I-P and I-S) All other 50 dBA 60 dBA All Other All other 50 dBA 60 dBA

(Ord. 6464, § 1, 2023)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).

Full Breakdown

The Municipal Code makes it unlawful to produce or allow sound from any source that exceeds the limits in Table 6.24.030-A. HVAC condensers, heat pumps and rooftop units fall under the catch-all 'All Other' producer-to-receiver category, capped at 50 dBA between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and 60 dBA between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Measurements are taken with a calibrated Type I or Type II sound level meter at the property line closest to the equipment. The City Manager can authorize an exception; otherwise exceeding the table is a violation regardless of equipment type.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding 50 dBA at night or 60 dBA by day at the property line violates HMC 6.24.030; each day of continued excess noise is a separate enforceable offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hillsboro have a specific HVAC noise rule?
No separate rule. HVAC units fall under the city's general sound-producing-source limits in Table 6.24.030-A, the same standard applied to any noise source outside an industrial zone.
Can I get an exception for a loud AC unit?
The City Manager may authorize noise exceeding the table limits in specific circumstances; without authorization, exceeding 50/60 dBA at the property line is a violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsFew RestrictionsDelivery Truck NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Hillsboro rules

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