What are Colorado's statewide quiet hours?

Quiet hours under C.R.S. 25-12-103 run from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which residential noise must not exceed 50 decibels measured 25 feet from the property line.

Can a Colorado city set stricter noise limits?

Yes. The state statute sets a maximum floor that applies everywhere, but home rule cities may adopt lower decibel limits or additional restrictions on specific noise sources.

How is noise measured under Colorado law?

Sound is measured in dB(A) at a point 25 feet or more from the property line of the source. Periodic, impulsive, or shrill noise is treated as 5 dB(A) higher.

Colorado Quiet Hours Law: Statewide Noise Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: C.R.S. 25-12-103
Residential day limit: 55 dB(A)
Residential night limit: 50 dB(A)
Night begins: 7:00 p.m.
Measurement point: 25 feet from property line

Source: C.R.S. 18-9-106 - Disorderly conduct (unreasonable noise)

Full Breakdown

Under C.R.S. 25-12-103, the Colorado Noise Abatement Act caps sound levels measured at 25 feet from the property line by zoning district and time. Residential zones are limited to 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) overnight. Commercial zones are limited to 60 dB(A) day and 55 dB(A) night, light industrial 70/65 dB(A), and industrial 80/75 dB(A). A periodic, impulsive, or shrill noise is treated as 5 dB(A) higher than measured. The statute applies statewide regardless of municipal status.

Violations & Penalties

Violations are typically prosecuted as public nuisances under state law; injunctive relief is available, and local enforcement may layer civil fines on top of statutory limits.

Colorado Statewide Noise Abatement Decibel Limits

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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