Portland, OR Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential-to-residential limit
- 55 dBA day, 50 dBA night
- Measured at
- property line
- Enforcement
- Noise Control Officer
- Max civil penalty
- $5,000 per violation
- Relief option
- variance via Noise Review Board
Summary
Portland has no HVAC-specific noise rule; air conditioners, heat pumps and other stationary equipment fall under the citywide zone-based decibel limits, capped at 55 dBA into a neighbor's residential property and cut 5 dBA further overnight.
Except as specifically provided for elsewhere in this Title, no person shall cause or permit sound to intrude into the property of another person which exceeds the limits set forth below in this Section. For purposes of this Section, “day hours” shall be between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and “night hours” shall be between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
A. The sound levels established are as set forth in Figure 1 before any adjustments are applied: FIGURE 1 PERMISSIBLE SOUND LEVELS (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., otherwise minus five dBA)
Zone Categories of Source Zone Categories of Receiver (measured at property line)
- Residential Open Space Commercial/ Mixed Use Industrial Residential 55 55 60 65 Open Space 55 55 60 65 Commercial/ Mixed Use 60 60 70 70 Industrial 65 65 70 75
B. Adjustments to Figure 1.
1. During night hours, the sound levels of Figure 1 must be reduced five dBA.
2. During all hours, the sound levels of Figure 1 must be decreased five dBA for narrow band or steady sound (apply 1 only).
3. The adjustments provided herein are cumulative.
C. If a dwelling unit or noise sensitive receiver is in a nonresidential zone of the City, the nonresidential standard normally applies unless:
1. a complaint is received, and
Full Breakdown
Title 18 sets maximum sound levels by the zone of the source and the zone of the receiver, not by equipment type, so a condenser or heat pump is judged the same as any other stationary sound source. A unit in a residential zone may not send more than 55 dBA across the property line into another residential lot during day hours (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), dropping to 50 dBA at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Equipment in commercial or industrial zones is allowed higher limits into residential receivers. The Noise Control Officer, under the City Administrator, enforces the standard and can require equipment shutdown to measure sound.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $5,000 per separate violation; each day of noncompliance is a separate violation. Citations must be answered within 15 days or referred for City Administrator review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portland have a separate HVAC noise ordinance?
How loud can my AC unit be at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon noise from specific sources overview
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