Gresham, OR Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Domestic tool exemption
- 7 a.m.-10 p.m. only
- Outside that window
- general noise limits apply
- Night limit elsewhere
- 50 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Day limit elsewhere
- 60 dBA, 7am-10pm
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Gresham exempts domestic tools like leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers from the city's noise limits only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; outside that window the general Noise Control Code decibel and audibility limits apply.
Sounds caused by domestic tools during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(9) Sounds caused by a source that has applied for, and received, a variance from the manager. The variance may be issued if the manager determines that granting the variance is consistent with the criteria and procedures established by the manager and GRC 7.20.020. The variance may be subject to such conditions as deemed reasonable by the manager.
(10) Sounds generated by construction and related activities when performed in accordance with an approved right-of-way permit authorizing work outside of the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
(11) Sounds caused by activities associated with the collection of garbage, recyclables, and
(7) 30
GRESHAM REVISED CODE
yard debris, subject to the provisions of GRC 7.25.205.
(12) The noise level produced by a wind energy system may exceed the limits specified in GRC 7.20.040(3)(a) during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe storms. The wind energy system noise levels exceeding the limits specified in GRC 7.20.040(3)(a) during such events shall not be allowed for a cumulative total of more than one hour of time between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and no more than 50 minutes out of an hour during any hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Gresham's Noise Control Code (GRC Article 7.20) generally bars sound above 50 dBA at night and 60 dBA by day at a noise-sensitive property line, or sound that's plainly audible inside a home between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. GRC 7.20.050(8) carves out an exception for domestic tools, the category covering leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers, but only while used between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Run one earlier or later and it loses the exception, so the general decibel and audibility limits in GRC 7.20.040 apply and can draw a citation.
Violations & Fines
Sound that falls outside the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. exception and violates the underlying dBA or audibility limits can draw a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), enforced under GRC 7.20.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in Gresham?
What counts as a 'domestic tool' under this exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
How Gresham compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle leaf blower rules.