Noise Variance Permits

Yes, there are. According to Bend City code, the following noises are not allowed within the city limits:

1. Using exhaust brakes (jake brakes) unless it’s an emergency or you’re driving an emergency vehicle with a muffled braking system.
2. Honking horns or using other signal devices on any vehicle while moving, except as a danger signal.
3. Using gongs or sirens on any vehicle, except for police, fire, or other emergency vehicles, unless it’s during a parade.
4. Driving any vehicle that’s in poor repair, without a legal exhaust system, or in a way that creates loud noise from 50 feet away.
5. Using any vehicle outside of public roads where the noise is too loud.
6. Running air conditioning or heating units, heat pumps, refrigeration units (including those on vehicles), swimming pool or hot tub pumps, blowers, power fans, engines, electric motors, compressors, or similar machinery that isn’t muffled enough to avoid being loud to someone on another property.
7. Doing construction work (including excavating, demolishing, altering, or repairing buildings, streets, sidewalks, driveways, sewers, or utility lines) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., except as allowed by Bend City Code.
8. Using or allowing the use of mechanical or electrical speakers or amplifiers, either stationary or mobile, that create noise plainly audible at the property line of a residence or noise-sensitive unit, other than where the noise is generated, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This applies to any noise from a speaker or amplifier, whether on private or public property. If the noise comes from a commercial establishment, a noise meter reading will be taken as additional evidence of a violation.
9. Any yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing, or other human-produced noise that is too loud. 

Yes, there are. Some exceptions are not considered violations of the City code:

1. Sounds from organized sports or similar activities at places like stadiums, parks, schools, and athletic fields between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. If an event is expected to end by 10 p.m. but runs late due to weather, overtime, or other reasons, the exception still applies until the event ends.
2. Sounds from emergency work or the normal use of emergency equipment.
3. Sounds from emergency warning devices and alarm systems for up to 15 minutes or while the emergency is happening. All alarms must automatically turn off after 15 minutes.
4. Sounds regulated by Federal law, like those from railroads, interstate trucks, or aircraft.
5. Sounds from regular vehicle traffic on public roads if they follow State law. This doesn’t include a single vehicle making noise louder than the allowed limit.
6. Sounds from air, electrical, or gas-powered tools, like lawn and construction tools, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
7. Sounds made by City of Bend garbage collectors.
8. Sounds from removing snow or ice from public or private property.
9. Sounds from cleaning or maintaining City streets by City workers or contractors.
10. Sounds from cleaning commercial or industrial parking lots or private roads between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m., if the noise doesn’t exceed 65 dBA at 50 feet from the property edge between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
11. Normal speech volume from a group of people.
12. Sounds from concerts at an outdoor amphitheater with at least 5,000 people between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., if concerts or outdoor events are allowed on the property. 

The following list outlines some of the processes and methods for enforcing noise code:

1. Some buildings, like homes, hotels, churches, day care centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes, are called Noise Sensitive Units. Decibel levels will be measured from the property of a Noise Sensitive Unit where a complaint has been made.
2. Decibel levels must comply with the zone where a Police Officer is taking the reading or with a Noise Variance Permit if one has been issued.
3. If you don’t have a Noise Variance Permit, the event must stay within the already permitted decibel levels.
4. We recommend using a smartphone app to measure the noise from the nearest Noise Sensitive Unit to ensure the event is within permitted decibel levels. 

Yes, there are. City parks are owned by the Bend Parks and Recreation District, and they have their own noise rules. For example, events at Vince Genna Stadium can’t go past the 10:00 p.m. cut-off time. Please check the park guidelines for noise and other uses online.

Note: Bend Parks and Recreation District rules override all City of Bend noise rules as long as the amplified sound is generated on park property.