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Eugene, OR Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Construction hours in Eugene, OR, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.

Key Facts

Allowed hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Governing section: EC 6.750(d)
Variance decision time: 14 days (30 with hearing)
General fine: Up to $200 per violation
Civil penalty cap: Up to $2,000/day
Code currency: Current through Ord. 20739 (June 8, 2026)

Summary

Eugene bars construction, demolition, and repair work on buildings, streets, sidewalks, driveways, sewers, and utility lines between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. under EC 6.750(d). The rule sits in the Environmental Noise Disturbance chapter, last amended by Ordinance No. 20680 in 2023; the Eugene Code is current through Ordinance No. 20739, passed June 8, 2026.

(d) Construction or repair of buildings, streets, etc. Constructing (including excavating), demolishing, altering, or repairing any building, street, sidewalk, driveway, sewer or utility line between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. the following day.

Source: Eugene Code §4.083 Noise ProhibitionsView official code

Full Breakdown

m. 080. 750, including work necessary to restore property to a safe condition after a public calamity, work to protect persons or property from imminent danger, and sounds produced by the city, county, or state (and their contractors) doing road, water-line, or tree and landscape maintenance, street sweeping, or garbage removal. 020, and the city must give written notice to the neighborhood association, post notice at the site, and notify owners and occupants within 300 feet. 021. 750 was last substantively amended by Ordinance No. 20680, effective January 24, 2023.

Violations & Fines

A first violation of EC 6.750(d) is punishable under EC 6.992 by a fine of up to $200. The city manager can instead, or in addition, pursue an administrative civil penalty under EC 6.995, applying the EC 2.018 procedure, which caps penalties for this chapter at $2,000 per day after the city tries voluntary correction and issues a correction order. Penalties can be appealed to a hearings officer under EC 2.021, and unpaid administrative penalties can become a lien against the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours can construction noise happen in Eugene?

EC 6.750(d) allows building, street, sidewalk, driveway, sewer, and utility construction, demolition, alteration, and repair work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Noise from those activities between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. the next morning is a declared noise disturbance, regardless of whether neighbors actually complain.

Can a contractor get permission to work later?

Yes. EC 6.755(2) lets a contractor apply to the city manager for a variance from the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. limit. The city manager must decide within 14 days of a complete application (30 days if a public hearing is held) and can attach conditions to protect nearby residents.

Is city road or utility work exempt from the curfew?

Yes. EC 6.755(1)(e) exempts sounds produced by work performed by the city, county, or state, and their contractors, for road, water well, water service line, tree, and landscape repairs or maintenance, plus street sweeping and garbage removal.

What happens if a contractor ignores the curfew?

The city manager or designee can issue a fine of up to $200 under EC 6.992, or pursue an administrative civil penalty of up to $2,000 per day under EC 6.995 and EC 2.018 after attempting voluntary correction, with a right of appeal to a hearings officer under EC 2.021.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Eugene - Ordinance No. 20680 (amending EC 6.750)

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How Eugene compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Eugene to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview

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