Denver Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Nighttime Quiet Hours
- 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Nighttime Residential Limit
- 50 dB at property line
- Daytime Residential Limit
- 55 dB at property line
- First Offense Fine
- $100 – $999
- Enforcement
- Dept. of Public Health & Environment
The Short Version
Denver runs one of the stricter noise ordinances among major Western cities. Quiet hours are 7 PM to 7 AM in residential areas — earlier than most places. During those hours, the limit is 50 dB at your property line. Daytime maxes out at 55 dB for residential, which is quieter than a normal conversation. The city uses actual decibel meters for enforcement, not just the "I can hear it" standard. Denver's Environmental Health division handles complaints, not the police, which means they take a more methodical approach but enforcement can be slower.
Full Breakdown
Denver's noise ordinance (DRMC Section 36-3) is measured-based, meaning the city doesn't just ask whether the noise is "unreasonable" — they'll actually show up with a sound meter. Residential zones cap at 55 dB during the day (7 AM to 7 PM) and 50 dB at night. For reference, 55 dB is roughly the level of a quiet office, so this is a tight standard.
The 7 PM start time catches people off guard. In most cities, quiet hours don't kick in until 10 PM. In Denver, your backyard party needs to wind down well before dark in the summer months. Music, amplified sound, and persistent noise sources are the main targets.
Complaints go through the Department of Public Health & Environment's Environmental Quality division, not through police dispatch. This means you call 311, not 911. Investigators may schedule a follow-up visit rather than responding immediately, which frustrates some residents but leads to more documented enforcement actions.
What Happens If You Violate This?
First offense carries a fine between $100 and $999. Each subsequent violation within a year increases the minimum fine. Chronic offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor. The city also has authority to seize noise-making equipment in extreme cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Denver's quiet hours so early?
Can I mow my lawn after 7 PM in Denver?
Does Denver enforce noise rules for barking dogs?
How does Denver compare?
See how Denver's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.