Denver residents now have a new way to address issues with early morning or late-night construction noise. The City Council recently approved changes to the noise ordinance, allowing residents to submit video recordings of the noise to the city for investigation.
Under the updated rules, construction noise no longer needs to exceed a specific decibel limit during restricted hours to be considered a violation. Instead, if the noise is “plainly audible” during those times, it can be enforced as a violation. This new provision allows for time-stamped videos to serve as evidence in complaints.
In addition to addressing construction noise, the new rules also impact music festivals and trash pickup schedules. Music festivals are now permitted to emit sounds up to 85 decibels, an increase from the previous limit of 80 decibels. Trash and recycling pickup can now begin at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., providing more flexibility for solid waste crews.
While the city does not have immediate plans to change trash pickup schedules, the ordinance allows for an earlier start time if needed. The initial proposal included a 5 a.m. start time for pickups in downtown areas, but this was ultimately removed from the final version of the ordinance.
Compression engine brakes, commonly known as “Jake Brakes,” are also prohibited in the city under the new rules. This measure aims to reduce noise pollution and maintain a quieter environment for residents.
Councilman Kevin Flynn was the only dissenting vote on the ordinance, expressing concerns about the potential for earlier trash pickup times to disrupt residents’ sleep. However, the majority of the council approved the changes, recognizing the need to modernize Denver’s noise regulations.
Residents can report noise complaints by contacting the city’s 311 helpline. By implementing these updates to the noise ordinance, Denver is taking steps to address noise pollution and protect the quality of life for its residents.
