Centennial, CO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Article 12 of Chapter 10 governs noise in Centennial, Colorado, and it works by a reasonableness standard instead of a measured number. Section 10-12-20 makes it unlawful to make, continue or cause any excessive or unusually loud noise that disturbs, annoys or endangers the peace, repose, comfort, safety or health of others, or that endangers or injures personal or real property. No section of Article 12 prints a decibel ceiling by zone or by time of day, so a case turns on what the officer or the complaining witnesses can testify the noise did, not on a meter reading. Section 10-12-10 states the policy: the City Council declared that protection and preservation of the home is of the highest importance.

Section 10-12-30 lists what the Article does not reach: emergency vehicles and emergency machinery, trains, aircraft and other activities subject to federal noise control law, snowplows, public utility operations regulated under state law, lawful professional outdoor fireworks displays permitted under Article 10 of Chapter 10, usual and customary school property uses during school or school-sponsored events including band practices, and occasional public cultural, athletic, entertainment or patriotic events for which the City gave prior written consent or a permit.

Section 10-12-40(a) adds a corroboration rule. A penalty assessment or summons must be signed by an officer witness, or by at least two complaining witnesses from separate households who are willing to testify at trial in addition to the serving officer, or by one complaining witness other than the officer if other admissible evidence proves a prima facie case.

Decibel figures do appear in Centennial's Land Development Code for the Centennial Airport Influence Area. Table 12-3-905 permits noise sensitive uses in the Buffer Zone and the 55 DNL Noise Contour Zone only if construction achieves an interior noise level reduction of 25 decibels in A-weighted levels. Section 18-15-10(a)(3) sets compliance at an outside to inside transmission loss of at least 25 dB(A) in the 55 DNL zone or buffer zone and at least 30 dB(A) in the 60 or 65 DNL zones or the RDA. Section 12-3-906 also requires a central air conditioning and ventilation system so the building can be occupied without open windows or doors. These are building construction requirements, not limits on the noise a neighbor can make.