Noise Program

The definition of noise has changed from a subjective interpretation—focusing on unwanted sound that may cause psychological or physiological harm—to a more objective, regulatory-based definition. The new definition ties noise to specific sound pressure level limits and legal prohibitions, making enforcement more clear-cut and measurable rather than relying on perceived impact.

What does this mean?

This change makes it easier for people to report noise complaints, even without giving their name. DDPHE can now enforce noise rules without the person who complained having to talk about how the noise affected them.

Waste, recycling, and composting services are now permitted to begin at 6 a.m., an hour earlier than the previous 7 a.m. start time. This adjustment aims to accommodate the city's growth and operational demands while addressing concerns about safety, including in school zones, access to alleys, heavy vehicle traffic, foot traffic, and general construction activity.

What does this mean?

Trash might be picked up as early as 6 a.m. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) doesn’t plan to start earlier, but private companies might. If trash collection starts before 6 a.m. in your area, you can report it by sending a video that shows the time.

For events on public property, the permissible sound level has been increased from 80 dBA to 85 dBA, with activities required to conclude by 10 p.m. Additionally, festivals on private property can now emit noise up to 85 dBA for up to eight days annually, with no more than four consecutive days per event and a mandatory 30-day interval between events lasting two or more days. In order to qualify for these exemptions, the event must be officially permitted by all necessary city agencies.

What does this mean?

Amplified sounds and music can now be a little louder at certain times, but there’s a limit on how many days events can happen in one place. There also must be 30 quiet days between events. You can still report loud noises if they go over the allowed limit or happen at the wrong times.

While allowable construction times remain unchanged, any construction noise that is "plainly audible" is now prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends. This modification enhances enforcement capabilities by allowing time-stamped video recordings as evidence for noise violations.

What does this mean?

It’s now easier for people to report construction noise. Just like with trash pickup, you can file a construction-related complaint using a video that shows the time and picks up the clearly heard construction noise.

The use of compression engine brakes within city limits will now be prohibited.

What does this mean?

DDPHE can now take action on complaints about loud vehicle braking noises at construction sites. If this happens on a construction site near you, you can file a complaint. Other vehicle-related noises are not covered by the Denver noise ordinance and not enforceable by DDPHE.

Noise is defined as unwanted sound and is assessed using established standards in the code. A sound that is pleasant to one person may be considered noise (unwanted) to another person. Noise is measured in decibels, (dB). Chapter 36 uses the A-scale, dB(A), with a fast response time setting on the sound level meter. This most resembles what the human ear hears.

• Types of noise covered: on-going or recurrent noise that crosses from one property to another property.
  • Examples of such noise sources: air conditioners, exhaust vents, early morning trash collection, construction, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.
• Allowable residential noise levels vary, but most fall within the following ranges: 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.
• Exemptions: There are 18 exemptions for very specific circumstances, including snow removal and emergency sirens.

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) enforces this ordinance and responds to complaints of excessive community noise. The Denver Police Department (DPD) may also enforce this ordinance.

Denver’s noise ordinance, Chapter 36 - Noise Control, can be found in the Denver Revised Municipal Code (D.R.M.C.).

• Be considerate with your own actions. Consider your neighbors when you install a new air conditioner, consider the time when you mow your lawn, or do other noisy activities.
• Talk to your neighbors if they are creating noise that bothers you. Many times, a friendly request will solve the problem.
• Call 3-1-1 to file a complaint if your efforts are not successful. Some of the necessary information to file a noise complaint includes:
  • Your name, address, telephone number, and email address so we can contact you for specifics and keep you informed of the status of your complaint. Your information will be kept confidential.
  • Information on the noise source, such as address, noise type, dates, and times when the noise occurs, and a contact name and phone number at the source.
  • For complaints related to trash trucks, construction activity, and deliveries, you can submit a video that shows the time and the noise can be clearly heard.

• An investigator will contact you for any additional information they need.
• If possible, an investigator will go out and take a noise measurement to determine if there is a violation.
• If a noise violation is measured, the investigator will contact the source of the noise and issue an order to comply. Depending on the noise source, a compliance plan and schedule maybe required.
• If the complaint is not resolved by the given deadline, DDPHE will take enforcement action.

The following are some suggestions from to help you promote a successful and complaint free event:

• Review the Denver Noise Ordinance
• Contact the residents that live in the general area in which you will be conducting your event
  • Provide dates, times, and types of events that will take place
  • Offer solutions if there are complaints, including a telephone number and contact name of a representative from your event
  • Adhere to the schedule that you provide the residents
  • Consider tear down and set up of the event and include this in your schedule
  • Consider a neighborhood meeting with residents to address any concerns that they may have regarding your event
  • Promote communication

• Plan ahead and consider the following:
  • Noise sources such as bands and D.J.’s should direct speakers away from populated areas of a neighborhood. Speakers should also be directed or angled down towards the listeners, and away from objects that might cause the noise to “bounce”
  • Test all amplification and noise sources before the event takes place, but do not exceed allowable decibel levels while conducting your tests.
  • Have noise meters on hand, you can load a sound level meter app. on your phone such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App for iSO or an equivalent for Android devices.Contact Public Health Investigations with questions or for additional information at publichealth@denvergov.org
  •  Hire an event representative to be at the event, to take random noise readings to ensure compliance with the regulations

• Noises that are not covered by the Noise Control Ordinance may be covered under Disturbance of the Peace (Chapter 38-89) or Prohibited Noises (Chapter 38-101). These ordinances are enforced by the Denver Police Department.
• Examples or “other” noises include: loud radio or TV, people arguing, etc.
• Noise associated with animals, like barking dogs, is covered under Chapter 8 and is enforced by Denver Animal Protection.

• Whisper - 20 dBA
• Rainfall - 40 dBA
• Typical Speech - 60 dBA
• Busy City Traffic - 80 dBA
• Gas Mower or Hair Dryer - 90 dBA
• Leaf Blower, Chainsaw or Concert - 110 dBA
• Ambulance or Jackhammer - 120 dBA
• Jet Plane (from 100 feet) - 130 dBA
• Fireworks or Gunshot - 140 dBA