Noise Variance Permits
A Noise Variance Permit allows a concert or event to go over the City’s normal noise limits. The City of Bend has rules for how loud sound can be and how late it can continue. These rules help protect nearby homes and neighborhoods. If an event will exceed these limits, a Noise Variance Permit is required.
A permit may be issued only for:
- A single event, or
- A series of events at the same location
Separate permits are required for different locations. Each location has its own public notice and review process.
When a Noise Variance Permit Is Required
A Noise Variance Permit is required if an event will exceed:
- Maximum allowed sound levels (measured in decibels), or
- Allowed hours for amplified sound
Time periods defined by Bend Municipal Code:
- Daytime: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Nighttime: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Noise limits established by Bend Municipal Code:
| Zone Type | Daytime Limit | Nighttime Limit |
| Residential | 65 dBA | 60 dBA |
| Commercial | 70 dBA | 65 dBA |
| Industrial | 75 dBA | 70 dBA |
Noise is measured at a property other than the source that contains a residence or other noise-sensitive use.
For full code details, visit: View Bend Municipal Code Chapter 5.50
Additional Considerations for Park Events
No person may create noise in a park, street or other public place that is unnecessarily loud at a distance of 50 feet. Parks are managed by the Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD), which may have additional rules for events and noise.
Event organizers are responsible for:
- Reviewing applicable BPRD requirements
- Coordinating with park staff prior to the event
Apply for a Noise Variance Permit
Carefully review the application steps and necessary materials listed below to ensure your application is complete. For a successful submission, please use the Online Permit Center and follow the provided instructions:
To Check the Status of Current Applications
Fees:
$250: due once your Notification to Property Owners have been mailed (see below for full details)
Processing Time:
45 Days: you need to submit your application at least 45 days before your event to give us enough time to process it
1Step: Prepare Initial Documents
Complete the Acknowledgement Form before submitting the application.
2Step: Submit the Application
- Use the Online Permit Center:
- Select Apply under the Special Events and Noise Variance section
- Select “Noise Variance Permit” for application type
- Complete all required fields
- Upload required documents
3Step: Send notice to all property owners within a 500-foot radius of your event location
After initial review of application, instructions for public notice will be provided.
Within 5 days:
- Mail notice to property owners within 500 feet
- Use the required notice template: Noise Variance Notice Letter Template.
City staff may review the notice upon request and will provide mailing addresses for required notification.
4Step: Submit Additional Documents and Pay Application Fees
Within the same 5-day timeframe:
- Upload a copy of the mailed notice
- Submit the Declaration of Notice – Noise Variance
- Pay the $250.00 application fee
5Step: Public Comment Period
A 15-day public comment period begins on the date the notices are mailed.
During this time, nearby property owners may submit comments in support or opposition.
6Step: Application Decision
After the public comment period:
- The City Manager reviews the application and comments
- A decision is issued to approve, approve with conditions, or deny
Applicants may appeal the decision within 15 days.
Link to Admin Policy 2019-05 City Manager Criteria for Consideration in Granting/Denying Request for Noise Permit
Additional Information
How Noise Rules Are Enforced
Noise complaints are evaluated from nearby properties, including homes and other noise-sensitive locations.
- Sound may be measured using a decibel meter when necessary to support enforcement.
- Limits are based on the zoning of the location
- Events without a permit must stay within allowed limits
Examples of Prohibited Noise
The Bend Municipal Code prohibits certain types of noise regardless of decibel level.
- Excessively loud vehicle noise or illegal exhaust systems
- Unmuffled machinery or equipment
- Amplified sound late at night
- Construction between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Loud shouting or other human-produced noise that disturbs others
See Bend Municipal Code Chapter 5.50 for a complete list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A decision on a Noise Variance Permit may be appealed.
- The appeal fee is $100
Appeals must be submitted within 15 days of the decision.
Noise regulations are in Bend Municipal Code Chapter 5.50.
No. A new application is required each year.
The allowed decibel levels and timeframes per zone are listed below. dBA stands for Decibels A. It measures how noise affects people and changes with different noise levels. If you plan to exceed these limits, you’ll need a Noise Variance Permit:
- Residential Zone (RL, RS, RM, RM-10, RH):
- 65 dBA from 7am to 10pm
- 60 dBA from 10pm to 7am
- Commercial Zone (CB, CC, CL, CG, ME, MR, PO, MU, MN):
- 70 dBA from 7am to 10pm
- 65 dBA from 10pm to 7am
- Industrial Zone (IG, IL):
- 75 dBA from 7am to 10pm
- 70 dBA from 10pm to 7am
Yes. Some noise is not allowed, even if decibel limits are not exceeded.
Prohibited noise includes, but is not limited to:
- Loud vehicle noise or illegal exhaust systems
- Construction during late-night hours
- Amplified sound that disturbs nearby properties
- Excessive shouting or similar noise
See Bend Municipal Code Chapter 5.50 for a full list.
The Bend Municipal Code identifies specific activities that are not considered violations.
- Organized sports and similar events between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Emergency work and warning systems
- Regular vehicle traffic on public roads
- Lawn, maintenance, and construction tools during daytime hours
- Snow removal and City operations
For full details, see Bend Municipal Code Chapter 5.50.
Noise is evaluated from nearby properties, especially homes and other sensitive locations.
- Sound may be measured using a decibel meter
- Limits depend on zoning and time of day
- Events without a permit must stay within allowed limits
Customer Resources:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Permit Inquiries:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed most major holidays.
Location: