Washington County, OR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Construction/demolition curfew
- 7 p.m.–7 a.m.; all weekend + holidays
- Piledriver/hoist curfew
- 7 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Blower/fan requirement
- Must run with properly muffled engine
- Variance options
- Type I (≤60 days) / Type II (>60 days)
- Max fine
- $500 ($1,000 repeat within 2 yrs)
- Code section
- Washington County Code § 8.24.040
Summary
Piledrivers, pneumatic hammers, hoists and other heavy equipment can't run between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in unincorporated Washington County, and construction, demolition or excavation is barred nights and all weekend, unless the operator has a noise variance.
F.Construction or Repairing of Structures. The erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration or repair of any structure from seven p.m. to seven a.m. the following morning, and from seven p.m. Saturday to seven a.m. the following Monday, and on legal holidays except by variance or for reasons of emergency;G.Piledrivers, Hammers, Etc. The operation between the hours of seven p.m. and seven a.m. of any piledriver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam or electric hoist, or other equipment, the use of which is attended by loud or unusual noise except by variance or for reasons of emergency;H.Blowers and Motor-Driven Cycles. The operation of any blower or power fan unless the noise from such blower or fan is properly muffled and such engine is equipped with a muffler device sufficient to reduce such noise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Community Development Code: Supplement 2 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25).
Full Breakdown
040 lists specific industrial and construction noise sources as prima facie evidence of a violation. m. m. Monday, and on legal holidays, except under a variance or for an emergency. curfew to piledrivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks, and steam or electric hoists whose operation involves loud or unusual noise. Subsection H requires any blower or power fan to run through a properly muffled engine sufficient to reduce the noise, with no time exception. 030, which bars any noise that unreasonably disturbs a person of normal sensitivity in a "noise sensitive unit," judged by factors including volume, duration, time of day, and the zoning and density of the surrounding area. 025. 065.
Violations & Fines
A conviction under this chapter carries a fine of up to $500, with each day of the violation a separate offense, and up to $1,000 for a repeat conviction within the preceding two years (§ 8.24.080). Officers may also seize the offending equipment for up to seven days under § 8.24.065, and unclaimed seized property after 30 days can be destroyed or sold at public auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can construction crews legally use heavy equipment in unincorporated Washington County?
Are piledrivers and pneumatic hammers restricted too?
Can a business get permission to run noisy equipment outside those hours?
What can the county do if I violate the noise curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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