Noise Regulations and Information – Denver, CO

The Denver Special Events Noise Fact Sheet is a City and County of Denver information sheet that states the allowable noise levels, the timing rules and the organizer duties for special events with amplified sound. It is a guidance document, not a permit or an application.

Special events are bound by the noise standards of the Denver Revised Municipal Code, Chapter 36, which DDPHE enforces, and every special event in Denver featuring amplified sound must comply with the Denver Noise Ordinance. The sheet covers mechanical sound and amplified sound, meaning live entertainment and in-house audio systems. At residential properties the limit is 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. All sound is measured from the closest residential property.

The sheet separates three cases: private events not open to the general public, properly permitted public events on public property, and public events that include private property in the event footprint. The last two may qualify for the "Public noise producing event" exemption, which allows higher levels at set hours.

It also explains what to do before the event (site maps, planning), what DDPHE may do during it, and how organizers can monitor levels. DDPHE does not issue noise permits.

The main audience is the organizer of a special event in Denver that features amplified sound. Organizers are responsible for having noise levels monitored and for keeping the event in compliance.

• Private events not open to the general public: the normal limits apply, measured from the nearest residential property: 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Properly permitted events on public property that are open to the public: may qualify for the "Public noise producing event" exemption.
• Public events that include any private property in the event footprint: may be allowed the exemption only on the conditions listed in the sheet, including a Notice of Intent (NOI) form.

The designated person in charge must control the sound equipment, and all staff, including individual sound engineers, must know the limits. Residents affected by an event are the other audience: the sheet tells them to call 311 to file a complaint. To learn whether an event qualifies for an exemption, the sheet directs organizers to [email protected].

Use the fact sheet when you start planning an event with amplified sound, before the site, stages and equipment are fixed. DDPHE says that giving specific event information before the event helps compliance and avoids fines, and the sheet asks organizers to show setup, teardown, rehearsal and planned sound check times.

The sheet sets no filing deadline of its own. For events open to the public that include private property, the exemption depends on a Notice of Intent (NOI) form and on day limits per location: after 2 or more consecutive days above the normal limits a 30-day rest period must occur, no more than 4 consecutive days above the limits may occur before a 30-day rest period, and no more than 8 total days per calendar year may exceed the normal limits.

The fact sheet is not filed with the city, but it points to several channels:

• Exemption questions: email [email protected] to find out whether your event qualifies for a noise exemption.
• Notice of Intent (NOI): for open-to-the-public events that include private property in the footprint, fill out the NOI form online at http://bit.ly/NOI_NoiseEvent.
• Complaints: to file a complaint about a special event, call 311.
• More information: the noise program and fine schedule are at denvergov.org/Noise, and a list of events in the City and County of Denver is at denvergov.org/specialevents.

DDPHE does not issue noise permits; other permits or licenses must come from the applicable city departments. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; any submission follows the agency channels above.