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| Permissible Hours and Noise Level |
Construction times allowed by the City of Portland’s noise code, including noise generated by equipment warm-up and maintenance, are:
- 7 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday
The City of Portland permits a very liberal standard for construction noise (85 dBA at a 50’ distance). This means that, provided your equipment is in good repair and muffled (if possible), it will be compliant.
The few kinds of equipment that cannot meet this level (for example: jack hammers, concrete saws and pile drivers) are exempt from the standard during the permissible construction times.
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| Work Outside Permissible Hours |
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The Bureau of Development Services understands that there may be times when work must occur outside of the permissible hours. If you have an emergency that includes any of the following, then the noise regulations do not apply:
- Work made necessary to restore a property to a safe condition following a public calamity
- Work to restore public utilities
- Work required to protect persons or property from imminent exposure to danger
There may be other situations that require work outside of permissible hours. For these situations, you must apply for a noise variance.
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| Noise Code Enforcement |
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When noise-related complaints are received, the Noise Office will contact the responsible party and request that they comply with the noise code regulations. The majority of complaints are resolved at this level.
If we continue to receive additional complaints, then each individual or organization responsible may be subject to a citation and fine of $5000 for each violation. In some circumstances, a court-ordered “stop work” order may be also be issued.
For information on how to file a noise complaint, please call the BDS Enforcement Hotline at (503) 823-CODE (2633) or filing a noise complaint.
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