Pueblo, CO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 11-1-607 of the Pueblo Municipal Code declares an excessive or unusually loud noise, or one that is unreasonable and objectionable because it is impulsive, continuous, rhythmic, periodic or shrill, to be a public nuisance, unlawful and a Class 2 municipal offense. Subsection (d)(1) supplies the numbers. The day period runs from 7:00 a.m. to the next 7:00 p.m., and the night period from 7:00 p.m. to the next 7:00 a.m. Residential zones, which include hospitals and nursing homes, are held to 55 db(A) by day and 50 db(A) at night. Commercial zones get 60 and 55, light industrial zones 70 and 65, and industrial zones 80 and 75. Sound radiating from the property line at 25 feet or more in excess of those figures is prima facie evidence of a nuisance.

Measurement rules in subsection (b) decide whether a reading counts. The meter must use the A weighting scale and meet American National Standards Institute characteristics. Readings are taken at least 25 feet from a source in the public right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from the property line when the source sits on private property. Wind must be no more than 5 miles per hour, or 25 miles per hour with a wind screen, and the officer must account for ambient noise from all sources at the time.

Three adjustments follow. In the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. window, the limit rises by 10 db(A) for up to 15 minutes in any one-hour period. Periodic, impulsive or shrill noise is a nuisance at 5 db(A) below the listed levels. Construction is judged against the industrial limits for the period allowed by its construction permit, or a reasonable completion time if the permit sets none.

Railroad rights-of-way count as industrial zones. Exempt are aircraft and other federally regulated noise, authorized speed or endurance events, the Colorado State Fairgrounds, 600-megawatt-plus power plants meeting state noise rules, and nonprofit or government cultural, athletic and patriotic events such as concerts and fireworks. Authorized emergency vehicles are exempt under subsection (g). Vehicles have separate caps in subsection (e): 88 dB at 25 feet for trucks over 10,000 pounds gross weight, and 80 dB for motorcycles and other vehicles.