Eugene, OR Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- EC 6.752(3), added January 23, 2023
- 31.5 Hz daytime limit
- 68 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- 31.5 Hz nighttime limit
- 65 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.)
- 63 Hz limits
- 65 dBA day / 62 dBA night
- Applies to
- Residential, school, church, hospital, library property
- Penalty
- Up to $200 per violation under EC 6.992
- Variance
- Apply to city manager under EC 6.755
Summary
Eugene caps low-frequency industrial and commercial noise under EC 6.752, setting octave-band sound pressure limits at noise-sensitive properties. At 31.5 Hz the ceiling is 68 dBA by day and 65 dBA at night; at 63 Hz it drops to 65 dBA by day and 62 dBA at night, measured at the property line or 25 feet from the source.
No person owning or controlling an industrial or commercial noise source shall cause or permit the operation of that noise source if such operation generates a median octave band sound pressure level which, as measured at an appropriate measurement point, specified in subsection (4) of this section, exceeds applicable levels specified in Table EC 6.752(5). Table EC 6.752(3) Commercial and Industrial Noise Median Octave Band Standards / Allowable Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels. Octave Band Frequency (Hz), 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.: 31.5 = 68, 65. 63 = 65, 62.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026).
Full Breakdown
752, added by Ordinance No. 5 Hz and 63 Hz octave bands. 5 Hz, and 65 dBA daytime and 62 dBA nighttime at 63 Hz. Higher frequencies get progressively tighter caps, down to 40/34 dBA at 8,000 Hz, reflecting how much more disruptive low bass is at a distance. The code applies these limits only to 'noise sensitive property': land zoned residential or occupied by a school, church, hospital, or public library. Measurements are taken at whichever point is farther from the source, either 25 feet toward the source from the nearest wall of the noise-sensitive building, or the property line nearest the source, following the city's Sound Measurement Procedures Manual (NPCS-1).
752 also caps impulse sounds (98 dBC daytime/93 dBC nighttime for blasting) and one-third octave band tonal spikes. 755, with neighborhood-association notice and a decision within 14 to 30 days. 750 noise-disturbance list, is current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026.
Violations & Fines
Violating EC 6.752 is enforced under the general Chapter 6 penalty at EC 6.992: a fine of up to $200 for each violation, since no more specific fine applies to this section. City noise-control staff or police measure the source with a calibrated meter against the table, and each day the source keeps exceeding the limit can support a separate citation. A source owner who wants relief must seek a variance from the city manager rather than simply ignoring the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a low-frequency noise violation in Eugene?
Where does the city measure the noise?
Can a business get relief from the bass limits?
What's the fine for exceeding the octave band standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eugene
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