Multnomah County, OR Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 50 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Day limit
- 60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- No-meter test
- Plainly audible ban at night
- Enforced by
- Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
- Not covered
- Portland and other cities
Summary
Unincorporated Multnomah County caps stereo, radio, and musical-instrument noise (including vehicle systems) at 50 dBA overnight and 60 dBA daytime at a neighboring property, or bans any plainly audible bass or music between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
It shall be unlawful for any person to produce or permit to be produced, with a sound producing device, sound which: (A) ... 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; or (B) Is plainly audible at any time between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day: (1) Within a noise sensitive unit which is not the source of the sound; or (2) On a public right-of-way at a distance of 50 feet or more from the source of the sound.
Full Breakdown
The county's Sound Control Law treats stereo systems, radios, and musical instruments as regulated 'sound producing devices.' Under § 15.269, sound from one of these devices can't exceed 50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) or 60 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) measured at a neighboring noise-sensitive property, and between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. it can't be 'plainly audible' inside a neighbor's home or 50+ feet away on a public right-of-way even without a meter reading. The Sheriff's Office enforces it; this only covers unincorporated areas, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village, which run their own noise codes.
Violations & Fines
Sheriff's deputies cite violators under § 15.269, with penalties set at § 15.999. After two prior citations within six months for the same device, a court may order the stereo or speaker seized, impounded, and destroyed as contraband under § 15.273.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover my Portland neighborhood?
Can deputies seize a car stereo or subwoofer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.