Colorado Industrial Zone Noise Limits Set by Statute

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.

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.