Larimer County, CO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial day limit
- 80 dB(A)
- Industrial night limit
- 75 dB(A)
- Employment zone
- 70 / 65 dB(A)
- Most-restrictive rule
- Adjacent zone limit applies
- State statute
- C.R.S. § 25-12-103
Summary
In Fort Collins Industrial (I) zones the limit is 80 dB(A) (7 a.m.–8 p.m.) and 75 dB(A) (8 p.m.–7 a.m.), measured at the receiving line. Colorado C.R.S. § 25-12-103 and Larimer County use the same 80/75 industrial and 70/65 light-industrial tiers.
Areas zoned: Industrial (I) 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 80; 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 75. [Employment (E): 70 / 65.] If the noise source in question is a pure tone, the limits set forth above shall be reduced by five (5) dB(A).
Full Breakdown
Fort Collins Municipal Code § 20-23 caps Industrial (I) zone noise at 80 dB(A) daytime and 75 dB(A) at night, with Employment (E) zones at 70/65 dB(A); a pure tone lowers the cap by 5 dB(A). Where an industrial source's noise reaches a more restrictive district (e.g., adjacent residential), the most restrictive limit applies. Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-12-103 sets identical statewide industrial (80/75) and light-industrial (70/65) tiers for unincorporated areas, allowing a 10 db(A) rise for up to 15 minutes per hour during the day. Larimer County Ordinance 97-03 follows these limits.
Violations & Fines
Fort Collins: summons and penalty (§ 20-29 / § 1-15). County: $30/$60/$300 escalating fines; stationary sources may seek a § 20-27 variance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if an industrial site borders homes?
Can a plant exceed limits briefly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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