Denver's Noise Recommendations

City & County of Denver
Department of Public Health and Environment

Denver Community Noise Program  denvergov.org/healthinspections

There are ordinances in the City & County of Denver Revised Municipal Codes (DRMC) that apply to noise. Please find an electronic copy of Denver’s noise ordinance Chapter 36, Noise Control and Chapter 38, Offenses, Miscellaneous Provisions for your information at https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances

The following are brief summaries of these ordinances and their enforcement:

Chapter 36, Noise Control

– applies to sporadic or continuous noise sources in the community, as well as some motor vehicle noise. Section 36-6 lists the allowable noise levels that may cross from one property line to a residential property line during daytime hours (55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and nighttime hours (50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). This section is enforced by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) and/or the Denver Police Department (DPD).

Chapter 38, Section 38-89, Disturbance of the Peace

– covers loud or disturbing noises from human voices, as well as sound amplifying equipment in or on motor vehicles. This section is enforced by the DPD, who may issue a citation immediately upon observing a violation.

Chapter 38, Section 38-101, Prohibited Noises

– covers musical instruments, loudspeakers, radios, TVs, and other sound amplification equipment. This section is enforced by the DPD, who may issue a citation immediately upon observing a violation.

Please note that in Chapter 36, Noise Control Section 36-6, there are specific limits of noise that are allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. In Chapter 38, Offenses, Miscellaneous Provisions Sections 38-89 and 38-101, no specific noise limits are given, and enforcement is based on the noise being plainly audible. “Plainly audible” means that “the information content of the sound is unambiguously transferred to the auditor, such as but not limited to understanding of spoken speech, comprehension of raised or normal voices or comprehension of musical rhythms.”

For permitted events held entirely on public property, the permissible sound level is to 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential properties between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.; 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. and 7a.m., and 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.  Additionally, events that include any private property may emit sound levels up to 85 dB(A) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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. To qualify for these exemptions, the event must be officially permitted by all necessary city agencies.  If your event includes any private property within the footprint AND may exceed the normally allowed decibel limits of Denver’s noise ordinance, you must fill out the Notice of Intent (NOI) form to indicate the intention to use one (or more) of the 8 days per year allotted for an elevated decibel allowance on private properties.  This form is online at: http://bit.ly/NOI_NoiseEvent

RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. No amplification (such as Music and PA system including sound checks) before 8 a.m. and not later than 10 p.m. on the day of the event.
  2. Generators should not be operated before 8 a.m. and not later than 10 p.m. on the days of the event.
  3. On the day of the event, days prior and post event, setup and teardown noise is exempt Monday-Friday 7a.m. – 9p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 8a.m.-5p.m.

STAGE

Noise levels must be appropriately monitored and cannot exceed allowable limits for your event.

SPEAKERS

Noise levels must be appropriately monitored and cannot exceed the allowable decibel limits for your event.

For amore volume efficient speaker configuration locate speakers at or near the outer perimeter of the intended audience, elevate the speakers slightly above the audience and angle speakers down at the audience.

GENERATOR

Noise levels must be appropriately monitored and cannot exceed allowable decibel limits for your event.

OTHER

It should be noted that these comments are not intended or meant to include or address any additional restrictions or requirements put in place by any other City and County department with more restrictive authority.

DDPHE is increasing their efforts to monitor noise levels at all special events. Please be advised that it is the event’s responsibility to ensure compliance with Denver Revised Municipal Code’s Chapter 36 Noise Control. Failure to comply with Denver Noise Ordinance may result in administrative citations up to $5,000.00 per day or a summons to appear in court.

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