Code Enforcement - Noise

Loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises in violation of Chapter 8.20 of the Sandy Municipal Code (revised by the City Council on June 8, 2026) include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Animals. Unreasonably loud and raucous noise emitted or caused by an animal for which a person is responsible. A person is responsible for an animal if the person owns, controls, or otherwise cares for the animal;

2. Vehicles. The use of a vehicle or engine, either stationary or moving, so out of repair, loaded, or operated as to create any loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise;

3. Engines. The discharge in the open air of the exhaust of a steam engine, internal combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises;

4. Horns, Signaling Devices, and Similar Devices. The sound of a horn, signaling device, gong, siren, or similar device on a vehicle on a street, public place, or private place, except as a necessary warning of danger;

5. Stationary Boiler. The blowing of a steam whistle attached to a stationary boiler, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work, as a warning of danger, or upon request of proper City authorities;

6. Mechanical Device. The use of a mechanical device operated by compressed air, steam, or otherwise, unless the noise thereby created is effectively muffled;

7. Excavation and Construction. Any excavation or construction by a contractor or developer, including but not limited to erection, repair, alteration, or demolition of a building or structure, in such manner as to cause loud or disturbing noises to be emitted between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday, or between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, site clearing, tree felling, earth moving, installation or construction of underground utilities, paving of streets and sidewalks, framing, foundation pouring, roofing, and structure framing shall be entirely prohibited on Sundays. Limited noise producing improvements such as but not limited to painting, installation of carpet and window coverings, plumbing repairs, etc. are permitted on Sundays.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this section, the owner of property may do work on property actually occupied by him or her between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Sunday;

8. Blowers, Lawn Mowers, and Similar Devices. The operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan, lawn mower, or any similar device in such manner as to cause loud or disturbing noises to be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

9. Noise Sensitive Areas. The creation of excessive noise on a street adjacent to a school, institution of learning, church, or court of justice, while the same are in use, or on a street adjacent to a hospital, nursing home, or other institution for the care of the sick or infirm, which unreasonably interferes with the operation of such institution or disturbs patients;

10. Recreational Areas on Private Property. The making of noise with a sports ball, racquet, bat, or any similar device in such manner as to cause loud or disturbing noises to be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

11. Amplified Sound. The use or operation of an automatic or electric instrument for sound producing or any sound-amplifying device so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof or in such a manner as renders the use thereof a nuisance;

12. Yelling, Shouting, and Similar Activities by Businesses. The making of a noise by crying, calling, or shouting or by means of a whistle, rattle, bell, gong, clapper, horn, hammer, drum, musical instrument, or other device, by a place of business, or the employees or independent contractors of a place of business, during that business's regular business hours so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof;

13. Automotive Repair Shops. The conducting, operating, or maintaining of an automotive repair shop within 100 feet of a dwelling unit, short term rental, residential facility, residential home, or hotel in such manner as to cause loud or disturbing noises to be emitted therefrom between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

14. Any other loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. which either annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, safety, or peace of others.

If you would like to report a violation of the Sandy Municipal Code noise provisions, please use the 'Report An Issue' function at the following City of Sandy webpage: 

https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/police/page/municipal-code-enforcement