Colorado Construction Noise Exemption Under State Law

C.R.S. 25-12-103 exempts construction projects from the statewide decibel limits between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., recognizing that ordinary construction work generates noise above residential thresholds. Outside that window, construction must comply with the applicable zone-based dB(A) limits unless the activity is an emergency repair to a public utility or transportation facility. The exemption applies to construction, maintenance, and repair operations conducted within the daytime envelope. Local governments retain authority to set narrower construction hours, require permits, or impose additional weekend and holiday restrictions.

Construction noise outside the 7 a.m.–7 p.m. exemption window may be enforced as a public nuisance under C.R.S. 25-12-108 and may also trigger local stop-work orders or fines.