Portland, OR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial-to-industrial limit
- 75 dBA at property line
- Industrial-to-residential limit
- 65 dBA at property line
- Night-hours reduction
- additional 5 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Impulsive sound cap
- 100 dB day, 80 dB night
- Enforcing office
- Noise Control Officer
Summary
Portland caps industrial-zoned noise sources at 65-75 dBA measured at the property line, with the exact ceiling depending on the zoning of the receiving property, plus a five dBA cut during night hours.
no person shall cause or permit sound to intrude into the property of another person which exceeds the limits set forth below in this Section. For purposes of this Section, "day hours" shall be between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and "night hours" shall be between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 18.10 bars an industrial-zoned source from exceeding 75 dBA measured at the lot line of another industrial property, 70 dBA into a commercial or mixed-use zone, and 65 dBA into a residential or open-space zone, per the Figure 1 table in Section 18.10.010. All Figure 1 limits drop five dBA during night hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and narrow-band or steady tones get an additional five dBA cut. Impulsive noise cannot exceed 100 dB peak by day or 80 dB by night. The Noise Control Officer enforces the standard and can require equipment shutdown to trace a violation.
Violations & Fines
The City Administrator's Noise Control Officer issues citations for exceeding Chapter 18.10 sound levels; the Noise Review Board hears variance requests under Chapter 18.14, and unresolved violations proceed through municipal code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can an industrial business be in Portland?
Do Portland's industrial noise limits change at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle decibel limits.