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Denver, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
DRMC § 36-6(b)(3)
Exemption scope
Landing/takeoff at city-licensed helipad only
Condition
Must comply with helipad license terms
Base residential limit
55 dB(A) daytime, 50 dB(A) night
Enforcer
Dept. of Public Health & Environment

Summary

Denver's noise ordinance exempts helicopters landing or taking off at a city-licensed helipad from the citywide Table A decibel limits, provided the helicopter doesn't violate any condition or restriction in the helipad's license.

Any aircraft in flight subject to federal law regarding noise control and any helicopter in the act of landing or taking off at a helipad licensed by the city, so long as the helicopter is not landing or taking off in violation of any conditions or restrictions of the helipad's license.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

DRMC Chapter 36 caps noise crossing a property line under Table A, as low as 55 dB(A) at a residential receptor during the day and 50 dB(A) at night. Section 36-6(b)(3) carves helicopters out of that cap entirely while they're landing or taking off at a helipad the city has licensed, so long as the flight doesn't break any condition or restriction written into that helipad's license. Break a license condition and the carve-out disappears, the helicopter operation is then measured against the same Table A limits as any other noise source, on top of whatever the helipad's own license terms allow the city to do.

Violations & Fines

Violating Table A once the exemption is lost is a municipal offense enforceable by the Department of Public Health & Environment and police under DRMC § 36-4, alongside any penalty set by the helipad's own city license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Denver limit helicopter noise?
Not while landing or taking off at a city-licensed helipad. DRMC § 36-6(b)(3) exempts that activity from the Table A dB(A) limits, as long as the helipad's license conditions are followed.
What happens if the helicopter breaks the helipad's license terms?
The noise exemption stops applying, so the normal Table A sound pressure limits and Chapter 36 enforcement can be used, in addition to the city enforcing the helipad license itself.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Denver rules

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