Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Industrial Zone Noise Limits Set by Statute

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Industrial day limit: 80 dB(A)
Industrial night limit: 75 dB(A)
Light industrial day: 70 dB(A)
Short-term allowance: +10 dB(A) up to 15 min/hr
Statute: C.R.S. 25-12-103

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Colorado General Assembly

Summary

Colorado fixes industrial noise ceilings at 80 decibels daytime and 75 decibels nighttime statewide under the Noise Abatement Act, with stricter local rules permitted but state minimums universal.

25-12-103. Maximum permissible noise levels. (1) Every activity to which this article is applicable shall be conducted in a manner so that any noise produced is not objectionable due to intermittence, beat frequency, or shrillness. Sound levels of noise radiating from a property line at a distance of twenty-five feet or more therefrom in excess of the db(A) established for the following time periods and zones shall constitute prima facie evidence that such noise is a public nuisance: Zone 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to next 7:00 p.m. next 7:00 a.m. Residential 55 db(A) 50 db(A) Commercial 60 db(A) 55 db(A) Light industrial 70 db(A) 65 db(A) Industrial 80 db(A) 75 db(A)

Source: Colorado General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

C.R.S. 25-12-103 establishes industrial zone limits of 80 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 75 dB(A) from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., measured at 25 feet from the property line of the source. Light industrial zones are capped at 70/65 dB(A). Sound that is periodic, impulsive, or shrill is treated as 5 dB(A) higher. The Act allows industrial sources to exceed the limit by up to 10 dB(A) for cumulative periods not exceeding 15 minutes per hour. Stationary industrial operations are evaluated at the receiving land use boundary when zones differ.

Violations & Penalties

Public nuisance actions under C.R.S. 25-12-108 can compel abatement; chronic industrial exceedances may trigger CDPHE air-quality coordination and local zoning enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a Colorado factory be?

Industrial zone sources may reach 80 dB(A) during the day and 75 dB(A) at night, measured 25 feet from the property line, under C.R.S. 25-12-103.

Are short noise spikes allowed?

Yes. Industrial sources may exceed limits by up to 10 dB(A) for cumulative periods not exceeding 15 minutes in any hour, per the Noise Abatement Act.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.