Medford, OR Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Medford, OR, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Medford Code § 5.225
- Construction hours allowed
- 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Heavy vehicle idling curfew
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Lawn equipment curfew
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Max fine
- $250 per day
- Last amended
- Ord. No. 2023-149, Nov. 2, 2023
Summary
Medford bans loud construction work between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. and idling heavy trucks over 10,000 pounds on residential streets or private property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Lawn equipment is also restricted overnight, and every violation is punishable per day it continues.
(e) Alteration, demolition, erection, or repair of any structure between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m... (f) Operation of mechanically powered lawn equipment, garden tools, chainsaws, blowers or similar devices, in any residential zone of the City or within 300 feet of any dwelling unit between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... (4) Violation of this section constitutes a violation. Every day in which a noise disturbance as defined in this section is made, continued, caused, or permitted to be made or continued constitutes a separate violation.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
225 of the Medford Code declares it unlawful to make, continue, or permit any "noise disturbance," then lists specific examples that are not exhaustive. if the noise is plainly audible inside a nearby dwelling, though this exempts commercial construction equipment and vehicles being loaded or unloaded. , with the City Manager or a designee able to grant an exception if the public interest requires it or no one nearby would be disturbed. m. Subsection (1)(g) similarly restricts heavy trucks over 10,000 pounds GCWR using engine braking devices in residential zones or near dwellings, schools, hospitals, or libraries, except in emergencies.
"Plainly audible" is defined in subsection (3)(a) as sound a reasonable person with ordinary hearing can perceive, including understandable words or comprehensible musical rhythm. Subsection (4) makes clear that every day a noise disturbance continues is a separate violation, and the section was most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2023-149 on November 2, 2023 to update the definitions and content-neutral language required to survive First Amendment scrutiny, as the Council explains in subsection (2).
Violations & Fines
Causing a noise disturbance under any of Section 5.225(1)'s enumerated categories, or any other unreasonable noise, constitutes a violation, and subsection (4) makes each day the disturbance is made, continued, or permitted a separate violation. As a classified "violation," the offense is punishable under Section 5.990(2) by a fine not exceeding $250 per day cited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction noise occur in Medford?
Can I mow my lawn late at night in Medford?
How is a Medford noise violation penalized if it continues for days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
How Medford compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Medford to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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