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Bend, OR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Residential limit: 65 dBA daytime, 60 dBA nighttime
Commercial limit: 70 dBA daytime, 65 dBA nighttime
Industrial limit: 75 dBA daytime, 70 dBA nighttime
Non-residential receiving property: 85 dBA daytime, 80 dBA nighttime
Enforcement: Bend Police, Municipal Court, Class A infraction
First-violation penalty: up to $250, rises to $10,000 for repeats

Summary

In the City of Bend, Bend Code § 5.50.020 sets numeric noise ceilings measured at the receiving property, not the source. Residential zones may not exceed 65 dBA by day or 60 dBA at night; commercial zones cap out at 70 dBA daytime and 65 dBA nighttime; industrial zones allow 75 dBA daytime and 70 dBA nighttime. Non-residential receiving properties face an 85/80 dBA ceiling instead.

A. No person may create noise on a property if that noise results in a noise level above the levels listed in this subsection when measured on a property other than the source of the sound and that contains a residence or other noise sensitive unit. ... +---------------+---------+-----------+
| Zone Location | Daytime | Nighttime | +---------------+---------+-----------+ | Residential | 65 dBA | 60 dBA | +---------------+---------+-----------+ | Commercial | 70 dBA | 65 dBA | +---------------+---------+-----------+ | Industrial | 75 dBA | 70 dBA | +---------------+---------+-----------+

View official code

Full Breakdown

020 apply when sound is measured at a property other than the source that contains a residence or other noise-sensitive unit such as a place of worship, day care, hospital, school or nursing facility. 010. 035 to exceed that limit. The City Manager may also issue emergency or event permits allowing otherwise-prohibited noise, appealable to the City Council within 15 days. 005. 040.

Violations & Fines

A violation of Bend's noise chapter is a Class A civil infraction under Bend Code § 5.50.040. The maximum penalty is $250 for a first violation within a year, $1,500 for a second within a year of the first, $5,000 for a third, and $10,000 for a fourth or any later violation within a year of the one before it. The Municipal Court cannot reduce any penalty by more than 50 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bend's residential noise limits?

Bend Code § 5.50.020 caps noise reaching a residential property at 65 dBA during the day (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 60 dBA at night (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). The limit applies where sound is measured on a property other than the source that contains a residence or other noise-sensitive use like a school or hospital.

Do I need a meter reading to get cited?

No. Bend Code § 5.50.010 says sound measurements are not required to enforce the noise chapter. If a meter is used, it must be a Type I or Type II sound level meter using the A-weighting network, and officers can cite based on observed conditions alone.

What happens for repeat noise violations in Bend?

Each is a Class A civil infraction under Bend Code § 5.50.040. The maximum fine climbs from $250 for a first offense in a year to $1,500 for a second, $5,000 for a third, and $10,000 for a fourth or later offense within a year of the previous one.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bend Code § 5.50.020, Noise Limits

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Compare Bend to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview

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