Portland Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Quiet Hours
- 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Daytime Residential Limit
- 55 dB at 25 ft from source
- Nighttime Limit
- 50 dB at 25 ft from source
- Max Fine
- Up to $5,000 per incident
- Enforcement
- Portland Noise Control Office
The Short Version
Portland has one of the few dedicated noise control offices in the country. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM daily. The daytime residential limit is 55 dB — tied with Denver for some of the lowest in the West. Portland measures at 25 feet from the source, not at the property line, which is a tighter standard. The Noise Control Office processes complaints and can issue administrative fines without police involvement. Persistent violators can face $5,000 per incident after multiple warnings.
Full Breakdown
Portland's noise code (Title 18) is enforced by a dedicated Noise Control Office — one of only a handful in the US. This means noise complaints go through a specialized process rather than being just another call to police dispatch.
The measurement standard is particularly strict: 55 dB during the day and 50 dB at night, measured at 25 feet from the noise source. Most cities measure at the property line, which allows noise to dissipate more before hitting the threshold. Portland's approach makes it harder to generate loud noise even on large properties.
The Noise Control Office can issue administrative warnings, schedule hearings, and levy fines without involving the court system. This makes enforcement faster but also means there's a defined appeal process. For construction, the city requires a noise variance for any work outside standard hours (7 AM to 6 PM weekdays), and the variance application includes notification requirements for nearby residents.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Administrative warnings for first offenses, then escalating fines: $250-$1,000 for second offenses, up to $5,000 for chronic violations. The Noise Control Office can also order specific noise mitigation measures (like sound barriers) for repeat commercial offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Portland's noise enforcement different from other cities?
Can I have a party in my Portland backyard?
What about leaf blower noise in Portland?
How does Portland compare?
See how Portland's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.