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Centennial, CO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Standard
No excessive/unusually loud noise
First offense fine
$100 minimum
Third+ offense
$400, mandatory court
Numeric decibel limit
None citywide

Summary

Centennial outlaws any 'excessive or unusually loud noise', from businesses, industrial equipment or any other source, that disturbs, annoys or endangers others' peace or safety, enforced under Article 12 with escalating fines up to $400 per offense.

It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any excessive or unusually loud noise which:(1)Disturbs, annoys or endangers the peace, repose, comfort, safety or health of others; or(2)Endangers or injures personal or real property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 10-12-20 makes it unlawful for any person to make or continue excessive or unusually loud noise that disturbs, annoys or endangers the peace, repose, comfort, safety or health of others, or that endangers or injures property. The prohibition is source-neutral. Centennial has no separate decibel limit for industrial or commercial operations, so this general standard is what applies to a factory, warehouse or business generating noise that reaches neighboring property. Section 10-12-30 exempts emergency responders, trains, aircraft, snowplows, permitted public events, school activities, regulated utilities and permitted fireworks displays from the prohibition.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a minor offense with escalating fines of $100/$200/$400 for a first, second and third-plus offense under Section 10-12-40(b); a third offense requires a mandatory court appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Centennial set a decibel limit for industrial noise?
No. Section 10-12-20 uses a nuisance standard, noise that 'disturbs, annoys or endangers' others, rather than a measured decibel threshold, and it applies to any source, including businesses.
What proof does Centennial require to cite a noisy business?
Section 10-12-40(a) requires an officer witness, or at least two complaining witnesses from separate households, unless other admissible evidence proves the violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Centennial

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Centennial rules

Compare Centennial to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview

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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Arapahoe County handle decibel limits.

Aurora, CO
Some Restrictions