Gresham, OR Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Gresham, OR, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Exempt construction hours
- 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Off-hours work
- needs right-of-way permit
- Governing section
- GRC 7.20.050(6) and (10)
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Construction, industrial, and agricultural noise is exempt from Gresham's Noise Control Code only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; work outside those hours needs an off-hours right-of-way permit or it's treated as unpermitted noise.
Sounds caused by industrial, agricultural, or construction activities during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. of the same day.
(7) Sounds caused by regular vehicular traffic upon premises open to the public.
(8) Sounds caused by domestic tools during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(9) Sounds caused by a source that has applied for, and received, a variance from the manager. The variance may be issued if the manager determines that granting the variance is consistent with the criteria and procedures established by the manager and GRC 7.20.020. The variance may be subject to such conditions as deemed reasonable by the manager.
(10) Sounds generated by construction and related activities when performed in accordance with an approved right-of-way permit authorizing work outside of the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
(11) Sounds caused by activities associated with the collection of garbage, recyclables, and
(7) 30
GRESHAM REVISED CODE
yard debris, subject to the provisions of GRC 7.25.205.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
GRC 7.20.050(6) exempts sounds from industrial, agricultural, or construction activity between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., letting contractors run equipment during that window without violating the Noise Control Code's underlying decibel and audibility limits. Work outside those hours loses the exemption unless it's covered by an approved right-of-way permit authorizing off-hours work under GRC 7.20.050(10). Absent such a permit, construction noise before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. is treated the same as any other unpermitted noise source.
Violations & Fines
Construction noise outside the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. exemption window, without an off-hours right-of-way permit, can draw a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), with enforcement under GRC 7.20.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction crews make noise in Gresham?
Can a contractor ever work outside those hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
How Gresham compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Construction Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle construction hours.