Portland, ME Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Outdoor music and amplified sound fall squarely within the enumerated examples in Portland Code § 17-17(c), which prohibits anyone on/adjacent to public ways or public places from making 'loud, unnecessary or unusual noises' that 'annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others.' The ordinance specifically enumerates: 'the playing of any radio, musical instrument, phonograph or any other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants and passers-by; the use of any loudspeaker or amplifier for the purpose of commercial advertising or attraction of the public to a specific building, location or business, yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing.' This list is non-exclusive. For licensed entertainment venues (restaurants, bars, music clubs), the Portland Police Department operates a formal Noise Complaint Process: when officers receive two or more verified noise complaints from two separate individuals within any 7-day period, or five or more verified complaints in any 30-day period, the Police Department notifies the entertainment licensee — repeated verified complaints can trigger license review by the City Clerk. State law (28-A MRS § 1054) requires a permit for music, dancing, or entertainment at premises licensed to sell alcohol, and the entertainment permit's hours are tied to the on-premises alcohol-sale hours. Outdoor events held in city parks (e.g., Deering Oaks, Eastern Promenade) require a separate Special Event permit through the City's Department of Permitting & Inspections, which can impose decibel, end-time, and speaker-direction conditions on the event.