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Washington County, OR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Washington County, 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

State Law
ORS 467.010-467.130
DEQ Limit
50/55 dBA property line
Event Permits
Through LUT or city
Quiet Hours
10 PM-7 AM typical
Complaints
Sheriff 503-629-0111

Summary

Amplified sound in unincorporated Washington County is regulated under the county noise ordinance and ORS 467, with outdoor amplification at public venues and events requiring a special event or temporary use permit through Land Use & Transportation. Cities within the county (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tualatin) layer their own amplification permit systems on top.

City-specific rules exist: Beaverton, and Hillsboro have their own amplified music & outdoor sound rules that differ from Washington County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

467.020 Prohibition on emission of noise in excess of prescribed levels. Except as provided in ORS 467.131 and 467.133, no person may emit, cause the emission of, or permit the emission of noise in excess of the levels fixed therefor by the Environmental Quality Commission pursuant to ORS 467.030. [1971 c.452 §3; 1995 s.s. c.3 §40c; 1996 c.8 §2] [...] 467.100 Local regulation of noise sources; exemption from state enforcement; rules. (1) Pursuant to this chapter, in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, a city or county may adopt and enforce noise ordinances or noise standards otherwise permitted by law. A city or county may also adopt such standards for a class of activity exempted by the commission or noise emission sources not regulated by the commission. (2) The commission may by rule withdraw from enforcement any or all of its rules or standards adopted pursuant to this chapter within the boundaries of any city or county, if the commission finds such city or county: (a) Has adopted noise standards that are at least as stringent as and no less protective than those standards adopted by the state; and (b) Has a program of active enforcement of such standards which, in the commission's view, is at least as protective of the public health, safety and welfare as would be the enforcement provided by the department. [...] 467.990 Penalties. Violation of any provision of this chapter or rules or orders made under the provisions of this chapter is a Class B misdemeanor. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense.

Source: ORS Chapter 467View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

130 and OAR 340-035-0035 DEQ standards, which cap industrial/commercial sound at 50 dBA nighttime and 55 dBA daytime measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property line (residence, school, hospital). Outdoor amplification at wineries, farm events, and wedding venues in the Tualatin Valley wine country must be disclosed in their Type II/III Event Venue land use approval; noise conditions are written into the decision under Community Development Code §430-37. Temporary amplified events at county parks (Hillsboro Stadium, PCC Rock Creek area) require written authorization. Residential amplified music (home parties, live bands) is evaluated against quiet-hours limits, typically 10 PM-7 AM, and becomes a nuisance if audible beyond property lines. 040. Commercial venues along the MAX Blue Line corridor in downtown Beaverton and Hillsboro face additional conditions of approval when hosting regular live music.

Violations & Fines

Unpermitted outdoor amplification: $250-$1,000 Class B violation under ORS 153.018. Ongoing residential disturbance: Class C violation plus possible abatement. Event permit non-compliance: revocation and deposit forfeiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for amplified music at my Tualatin Valley winery event?
Outdoor amplification beyond your approved Event Venue conditions requires either a temporary use permit or modification of your land use approval.
How loud is too loud for a backyard party?
If amplified music is plainly audible inside a neighbor's home after 10 PM, expect a Sheriff response and a citation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

All Washington County rules

Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview

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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Cities Across Washington County