Clackamas County, OR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 50 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Day limit
- 60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Enforcing agency
- Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
- Payment deadline
- 14 days after citation issued
- Appeal window
- 30 days to County Administrator
- Seizure trigger
- 2 prior citations within 6 months
- Meter standard
- ANSI 1.4-1971 Type I or II
Summary
Unincorporated Clackamas County bans any sound source from exceeding 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. under County Code 6.05.040(A). Exceeding either threshold is a per se violation regardless of intent, enforced by the Sheriff's Office with citations, sound-source seizure after repeat offenses, and fines set by the Board of County Commissioners.
A. It shall be a per se violation of this chapter for any person to produce or permit to be produced, from a sound source either owned and operated by them or under their control, sound which exceeds:
1. 50 dBA at any time between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. the following day; or
2. 60 dBA at any time between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
B. The following acts are declared per se violations of this chapter based upon a reasonable person standard. The enumeration does not constitute an exclusive list.
1. Unreasonable Noises: The unreasonable making of, or knowingly and unreasonably permitting to be made, any unreasonably loud, boisterous, or unusual noise, disturbance, commotion, or vibration in any boarding facility, dwelling, place of business or other structure, or upon any public right of way, public space or other place or building. The ordinary and usual sounds, noises, commotion or vibration incidental to the operation of these places when conducted in accordance with the usual standards of practice and in a manner which will not unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of adjacent noise sensitive areas or which will not detrimentally affect the operators of adjacent places of business are exempt from this provision.
Full Breakdown
040(A) makes it a per se violation for anyone to produce, or permit to be produced from a sound source they own, operate, or control, sound above 50 dBA at night or 60 dBA during the day, with no need to prove the noise was unreasonable. 4-1971, A-weighted, operated by personnel trained in its use, and taken inside a noise-sensitive unit (a dwelling, school, church, hospital, nursing home, or public library) at or within three feet of a closed window or door. 250. 070; the County must grant, deny, or condition the request within ten days, and a denial can be appealed to the County Administrator within thirty days for de novo review.
635. Seizure of the offending sound source as evidence is reserved for repeat offenders who received two prior citations for the same or similar source within the preceding six months.
Violations & Fines
A citation gives the recipient fourteen days to pay the fine set by Board resolution under 6.05.100 or request a compliance hearing under Code Section 2.07.040. Unresolved violations can go before the Board of County Commissioners on a show-cause order, and County Counsel may pursue a civil action in Clackamas County Circuit or District Court. Fines are paid by mail to the Sheriff's Office at 9101 SE Sunnybrook Blvd., Clackamas, Oregon 97015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal noise limit at night in unincorporated Clackamas County?
How does the Sheriff measure noise for a citation?
Can I apply for a variance to exceed the noise limits for an event?
What happens if I ignore a Clackamas County noise citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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