Washoe County, NV Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Washoe County, NV, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Fixed quiet hours
- None countywide
- Nighttime window
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Night penalty
- +10 dB added to Ldn
- Standard type
- Property-line Ldn limits
- Report to
- Washoe311, 775-328-2003
Summary
Unincorporated Washoe County has no clock-based quiet-hours rule. Instead its Development Code caps day-night average sound (Ldn) at the property line and adds a 10 dB penalty to noise made between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., effectively tightening nighttime limits.
An additional 10 dB weighting shall be imposed on the sound levels occurring during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to determine the day-night average sound level (Ldn).
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Development Code Article 414 (Noise and Lighting Standards) sets Ldn (day-night average sound level) limits at the property line rather than a fixed "quiet time." Measurement adds a 10 dB weighting to any sound occurring during nighttime hours, defined as 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., to compute the Ldn. So loud nighttime noise counts far more heavily toward a violation than the same daytime noise. Barking-dog and party-noise complaints in unincorporated areas are handled under WCC 55.125 (animals) and this Ldn standard; inside Reno or Sparks the city noise ordinance applies instead. Contact Washoe311 (775-328-2003) to report noise.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by code enforcement as a Development Code violation; abatement and civil penalties may follow. Animal noise is cited separately under WCC 55.125 with a civil penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washoe County have set quiet hours?
Do city quiet-hour rules apply to me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
How Washoe County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada noise ordinances overview
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