Portland, OR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Portland, OR, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 55 dBA at property line, day
- Night reduction
- minus 5 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Non-amplified exemption
- only unamplified event sound exempt
- Louder event option
- variance via § 18.14.020
- Max civil penalty
- $5,000 per violation
Summary
Amplified outdoor music in Portland must stay within Title 18's zone-based decibel limits: only non-amplified sound from athletic and entertainment events is exempt.
18.14.010 Exemptions. The following sounds are exempted from the provisions of this Title.
A. Sounds caused by the performance of emergency work, or by the ordinary and accepted use of emergency apparatus and equipment.
B. Sounds caused by sources regulated as to sound production by federal law.
C. Sounds not electronically amplified, created by athletic and entertainment events other than motor vehicle racing events.
D. Sounds caused by agricultural and forestry operations within an FF zone of the City.
E. Blasting, under permit.
F. Sounds made by warning devices operated continuously for three minutes or less.
Full Breakdown
Portland exempts sounds from athletic and entertainment events only if they are not electronically amplified (City Code § 18.14.010 C). Amplified outdoor music therefore falls under the standard Figure 1 limits in § 18.10.010: 55 dBA at a residential property line, 60 dBA at open space, dropping 5 dBA further during night hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Louder events can apply for a variance from the Noise Control Officer or Noise Review Board under § 18.14.020.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation (§ 18.18.030); each incident and each day of noncompliance counts as a separate violation, enforced by the City Administrator or police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outdoor amplified music exempt from Portland's noise code?
How loud can outdoor amplified music be in a Portland neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.