Lane County, OR Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Lane County, OR, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours window
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- No-meter standard
- Plainly audible sound violation
- Distance test
- 50 feet into public right-of-way
- Domestic tools ban
- Drills, saws, mowers, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Event exemption ends
- 11:00 p.m.
Summary
Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., Lane County doesn't need a decibel meter to cite you: under LC 6.225.010A(2), any sound from a regulated device that's simply "plainly audible" inside a neighbor's home or 50 feet into a public right-of-way is a violation on its own. Domestic tools like drills, saws and mowers are barred outright during those same hours under LC 6.225.005G.
2. When measurement not made. Is plainly audible at any time between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, a. Within a noise sensitive unit that is not the source of the sound, or b. On a public right of way at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from the source of the sound. ... "Plainly Audible Sound" means any sound that is clearly distinguishable from other sounds, such as, but not limited to, sound for which the information content of that sound is unambiguously communicated to the listener, understandable spoken speech, comprehension of whether a voice is raised or normal, or comprehensible musical rhythms.
Full Breakdown
the following day, noise from a regulated "sound producing device" is illegal if it is "plainly audible" either inside a neighboring noise sensitive unit that isn't the source, or on a public right-of-way 50 feet or more from the source. 005 defines "Plainly Audible Sound" as sound that is "clearly distinguishable from other sounds", giving as examples sound whose information content is unambiguously communicated, understandable speech, the ability to tell a raised voice from a normal one, or "comprehensible musical rhythms". 005 list: loudspeakers, radios and stereos, musical instruments, sirens and bells, vehicle engines revved above idle off the right-of-way, squealing tires, and heat pumps or AC units.
, regardless of how loud they measure. , after which even an exempt event has to comply with the plainly-audible standard like everyone else. 020, which must be decided within 10 days of the application.
Violations & Fines
A plainly-audible nighttime violation is enforced the same way as a decibel violation: administratively under LC Chapter 5, or by nuisance abatement under LC Chapter 9, per LC 6.225.030A. Because no meter reading is required, an officer's own observation that they could understand speech, distinguish a raised voice, or make out musical rhythms from your property after 10 p.m. is enough evidence to support a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a decibel meter reading to be cited for nighttime noise?
Can I run a lawn mower or chainsaw late at night if it's quiet?
Does an exempt event, like a church concert, have unlimited quiet-hours protection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
How Lane County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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