Colorado Springs, CO Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Colorado Springs, CO, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- City Code Sec. 9.8.107
- Applicable limit
- Industrial-zone caps: 80 dB(A) day / 75 dB(A) night (Sec. 9.8.104)
- Duration
- Period of the construction permit, or a reasonable completion period if none
- Daytime allowance
- +10 dB(A) for up to 15 min/hour (Sec. 9.8.105)
- Relief
- Noise hardship permit from City Manager (Sec. 9.8.109)
Summary
Colorado Springs City Code section 9.8.107 subjects construction projects to the maximum permissible noise levels specified for industrial zones (80 dB(A) day / 75 dB(A) night) during the period covered by any applicable construction permit, or for a reasonable completion period if no time limit is imposed.
9.8.107: CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: Construction projects shall be subject to the maximum permissible noise levels specified for industrial zones for the period within which construction is to be completed pursuant to any applicable construction permit issued by proper authority, or if no time limitation is imposed, then for a reasonable period of time for completion of project. (Ord. 96-41; Ord. 01-42)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Unlike many cities that set fixed construction start/stop hours, Colorado Springs regulates construction noise by decibel ceiling. ' This means construction equipment that would otherwise breach a residential or commercial limit is allowed up to the industrial ceiling while work is authorized, but it cannot exceed 80 dB(A) by day or 75 dB(A) at night. 105 also applies. 109, which can set time windows and conditions.
Violations & Fines
Construction noise exceeding the industrial-zone caps (80 dB(A) day / 75 dB(A) night) outside an authorized permit period is unlawful under sections 9.8.107 and 9.8.104 and is prosecutable in Municipal Court. A hardship permit under section 9.8.109 is required to exceed these limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can construction start in Colorado Springs?
Can construction be noisy overnight?
How long does the industrial-limit treatment last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
How Colorado Springs compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Colorado Springs to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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