Colorado Springs sets decibel limits by zoning district and time of day under City Code Chapter 9 Article 8. Residential zones cap sound at 60 dBA daytime (7 AM to 10 PM) and 55 dBA at night. Commercial zones allow 65 dBA day and 60 dBA night. Industrial zones permit 80 dBA day and 75 dBA night, measured at the receiving property line.
Measurements follow ANSI standards using a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter on slow response at 4 to 6 feet above grade. Tonal, impulse, and cyclical noise carry a 5 dBA penalty. The plainly audible doctrine applies as an alternative enforcement path, allowing citations when amplified music or machinery is clearly heard 100 feet from the source. Code Enforcement and CSPD share jurisdiction depending on whether the noise is continuous (commercial or mechanical) or acute (party or event).
Civil citations start at 100 dollars for a first offense and escalate to 1,000 dollars for repeat violations within 12 months. Continuing violations may be abated by court order.
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