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Clackamas County, OR Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Quiet hours in Clackamas 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

Night limit
50 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Day limit
60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Code
County Code Ch. 6.05
Enforcer
Clackamas County Sheriff
Applies to
Unincorporated county only

Summary

In unincorporated Clackamas County it is a per se violation to exceed 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Nighttime is the strict quiet period. Cities like Oregon City set their own rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be a per se violation of this chapter for any person to produce or permit to be produced, from a sound source either owned and operated by them or under their control, sound which exceeds:

1. 50 dBA at any time between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. the following day; or

2. 60 dBA at any time between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

B. The following acts are declared per se violations of this chapter based upon a reasonable person standard. The enumeration does not constitute an exclusive list.

1. Unreasonable Noises: The unreasonable making of, or knowingly and unreasonably permitting to be made, any unreasonably loud, boisterous, or unusual noise, disturbance, commotion, or vibration in any boarding facility, dwelling, place of business or other structure, or upon any public right of way, public space or other place or building. The ordinary and usual sounds, noises, commotion or vibration incidental to the operation of these places when conducted in accordance with the usual standards of practice and in a manner which will not unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of adjacent noise sensitive areas or which will not detrimentally affect the operators of adjacent places of business are exempt from this provision.

Full Breakdown

Clackamas County Code Chapter 6.05 (Noise Control) governs unincorporated areas. Section 6.05.040(A) sets fixed dBA caps: 50 dBA at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) and 60 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.). Section 6.05.030 also bans any unreasonably loud noise that disturbs reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity, weighing proximity, zoning, time, duration, and whether the sound is recurrent. Measurements are taken with a Type I or II sound meter within three feet of a complainant's closed window or door. Incorporated cities enforce their own noise codes.

Violations & Fines

The Sheriff enforces via citation; respond within 14 days by paying the fine or requesting a hearing. Fine amount is set by Board resolution. Repeat offenders' equipment may be seized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 50 dBA limit apply inside Oregon City?
No. Chapter 6.05 covers unincorporated Clackamas County. Incorporated cities such as Oregon City, Lake Oswego, and Happy Valley enforce their own municipal noise ordinances.
Is there a statewide numeric noise limit in Oregon?
No. Oregon's DEQ noise-control program was defunded, so no statewide numeric standard applies. County and city ordinances like Ch. 6.05 govern instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

All Clackamas County rules

How Clackamas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview

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