Construction hours in Portland, OR — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Portland City Code Section 18.10.060 permits construction 7 AM–6 PM Monday through Saturday. Construction is prohibited before 7 AM, after 6 PM, all day Sundays, and on 6 legal holidays. Daytime limit is 85 dBA at 50 feet.
Under PCC 18.10.060, construction activities during permitted hours (Mon–Sat, 7 AM–6 PM) are allowed up to 85 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source. Equipment must have functioning mufflers; EPA standards apply. Particularly loud equipment (jackhammers, concrete saws, pile drivers) is exempt from the 85 dBA daytime limit but still prohibited outside permitted hours. After-hours construction must meet baseline zone decibel levels and generally requires a variance. Violations are referred to Portland's Noise Program.
Prohibited outside permitted hours absent variance. Citations issued by Portland Police Bureau.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle construction hours.
See how Portland's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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