Loveland, CO Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Loveland does not maintain a separate code chapter for outdoor music - performance sound is treated as ordinary noise subject to LMC Chapter 7.32. The LMC 7.32.040 numeric caps apply at the 25-ft property line. Per LMC 7.32.020(D), a band playing in a commercial zone (e.g., on a downtown brewery patio) is held to the residential cap (55 db(A) day / 50 db(A) night) at any adjacent residential property line. The LMC 7.32.010(B) 5-db(A) reduction for periodic/impulsive/shrill sound frequently applies - amplified music with bass beats and vocal peaks often qualifies as 'periodic' or 'impulsive,' effectively dropping the cap to 50/45 in residential receiving zones. For permitted public events, LMC 7.32.060(D) exempts 'activities of temporary duration permitted by law for which a license or permit has been granted by the city, including but not limited to parades and firework displays' - so a Foundry Plaza summer concert operating under a Loveland Police Special Event Permit is exempt from the 7.32.040 numeric caps subject to the conditions in the permit. For larger or louder events, LMC 7.32.070 lets the City Manager issue temporary permits specifying duration, sound source, hours, days, and additional limitations. Loveland's signature outdoor-music venues and series include the Foundry Plaza summer concert series (downtown Loveland mixed-use development between Lincoln and Cleveland), the 5th Annual Bluegrass & Brews Festival (June at Foundry Plaza), Foundry Films movie nights, the One Sweet Summer concert series, Loveland Loves BBQ Bands & Brews Festival (downtown Old Town, June), Sculpture in the Park (Benson Sculpture Garden, August), Pumpkin Fest (downtown, October), and Fire & Ice Festival (downtown, February). Private outdoor music (backyard parties, weddings on private property) defaults to the LMC 7.32.040 caps with no permit unless the host applies for a 7.32.070 temporary permit. Special Event Permit applications go through Loveland Police - 45-day lead time, 60 days for alcohol. Report off-permit or out-of-conditions music complaints to Loveland Police 970-667-2151.