Broomfield, CO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 9-36-020 of Chapter 9-36, Noise, makes it unlawful to make or cause any continuous, impulsive or periodic noise that is either of such unusual or exceptional character, intensity or duration that it disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of any person, or that exceeds the numeric limits set in Schedule 9-36A. Schedule 9-36A splits the city into two tiers of zone districts. Residential and planned-unit-development districts E-1, E-2, R-1, R-3, R-5, PUD and R-PUD are capped at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., dropping to 40 dB(A) overnight from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.

Commercial and business districts A-1, B-1, B-2, A-PUD, B-PUD, B-1 PUD and B-2 PUD get a higher ceiling of 65 dB(A) daytime and 60 dB(A) overnight. The limits apply based on the district where the sound is measured or perceived, not where it originates, and measurements must be taken at least 25 feet from the source and cannot be taken from private property without the possessor's permission. Industrial zones get separate treatment: in an I-1, I PUD or I-1 PUD district the limit applies once sound crosses the lot line, while in an I-2, I-2 PUD or GA district it applies only once sound crosses the district boundary.

'Continuous noise' is defined in Section 9-36-010 as steady, fluctuating or impulsive noise lasting ten minutes or more without interruption. Chapter 9-36 traces to Ordinance 862 from 1989. No penalty is written into the chapter itself, so a violation is punished under the citywide general penalty, Section 1-12-020: a fine up to $2,650.00, imprisonment up to 364 days, or both.