Eugene, OR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- EC 6.752
- Blasting limit (day)
- 98 dBC (7am-10pm)
- Blasting limit (night)
- 93 dBC (10pm-7am)
- Other impulse sound
- 100 dB day / 80 dB night peak
- 1000 Hz octave band
- 49 dB day, 43 dB night
- Added by
- Ordinance 20680, eff. Jan 24, 2023
Summary
Eugene caps commercial and industrial noise sources at set decibel levels under EC 6.752, with tighter nighttime limits than daytime ones. Blasting impulse sound is capped at 98 dBC by day and 93 dBC at night, while other impulse sounds top out at 100 dB by day and 80 dB at night, measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property.
(2) Impulse Sound. No person owning or controlling an industrial or commercial noise source shall cause or permit the operation of that noise source if an impulsive sound is emitted in air by that source which exceeds the following sound pressure levels, as measured at an appropriate measurement point, as specified in subsection (4) of this section: (a) Blasting. 98 dBC, slow response, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 93 dBC, slow response, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. (b) All Other Impulse Sounds. 100 dB, peak response, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 80 dB, peak response, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Full Breakdown
752 sets numeric sound-pressure limits for any industrial or commercial noise source, measured at the noise sensitive property nearest the source. The code defines a noise sensitive property as land inside Eugene zoned for residential use or occupied by a school, church, hospital, or public library, and a noise sensitive building as a residence, school, church, hospital, or library on that property. ; all other impulse sounds are capped at 100 dB peak response by day and 80 dB peak response at night. 5 Hz band is capped at 68 dB by day and 65 dB at night, the 1000 Hz band at 49 dB by day and 43 dB at night, and the 8000 Hz band at 40 dB by day and 34 dB at night.
Measurements are taken either 25 feet toward the source from the nearest noise sensitive building, or at the nearest noise sensitive property line, whichever point is farther from the source, using the city's Sound Measurement Procedures Manual. 752 was added by Ordinance No. 20680, effective January 24, 2023.
Violations & Fines
A commercial or industrial operator that exceeds the EC 6.752 limits faces a fine of up to $200 per violation under EC 6.992, or an administrative civil penalty of up to $2,000 per day under EC 6.995 and EC 2.018, imposed after the city manager attempts voluntary correction and issues a correction order. Penalty decisions can be appealed to a hearings officer under EC 2.021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eugene's noise code apply the same decibel limit everywhere?
How is blasting noise regulated?
Where does the city measure sound levels?
Can a business get relief from the decibel limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eugene
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