Fort Collins leaders begin multi‑phase update to noise rules; police to tighten vehicle noise enforcement and planners to study amplified sound

City staff presented a staged plan to update Fort Collins’ noise regulations, combining immediate, enforceable measures police say will improve outcomes with a longer research and outreach process to manage ambient and amplified sound in parks, entertainment venues and neighborhoods.

Phase 1 — near term enforcement changes: Rupa Venkatesh, assistant city manager, and Sergeant David Lindsey of police services described four priority near‑term items: clarify the municipal code’s agricultural exemption to mirror state statute definitions (so agricultural operations are more clearly defined), add or tighten an unreasonable traffic noise provision in the traffic code, clarify and, where appropriate, enhance the muffler ordinance to improve enforceability, and adjust fireworks enforcement tools so officers and code compliance can hold property holders accountable for after‑the‑fact violations.

Sergeant Lindsey said police analyzed noise citations and arrests from 2023–24 and found a rise in vehicle‑based noise complaints late in 2024. Of citations in the period studied, around 82 percent were for unreasonable noise (residences, gatherings, vehicles) and most enforcement to date relied on the muffler or unreasonable‑noise provisions. Officers recommended creating a consolidated, traffic‑code provision to address vehicle noise specifically and to make evidence and enforcement processes more efficient.

Phase 1 timeline: Staff said they intend to bring ordinance amendments to council for first reading in May and second reading in June, but requested a slightly later docket date (May 20 first reading) to account for pending state legislation (HB 1147, described by staff as pending at the time) that could affect municipal court penalties.

Phase 2 — ambient and amplified sound review: Lori Schwartz, director of Community Development and Neighborhood Services, and Eileen May, director of Cultural Services, described a broader review to define how the city regulates ambient and amplified sound in public spaces. Staff noted changes in city life since the noise rules were last updated in 2008: population growth, more cars, new parks and event venues (for example Twin Silo Park and Whitewater Park) and growing cultural programming such as events at The Gardens On Spring Creek. Eileen May said existing limits (for example the Gardens' prior restrictions) can unintentionally curtail community and cultural programming and that a review should seek a balance between vibrancy and livability.

Noise measurement and context: Staff showed examples from field sound meters and explained how normal traffic and trains can push ambient background levels near or above the ordinance thresholds in some places. They said the next phase will include surveys, focused neighborhood outreach (for instance around The Gardens) and technical analysis of ambient noise, timing rules and amplified sound standards, plus benchmarking against peer cities.

Council input and concerns: Councilors generally supported clearer rules on vehicle mufflers, fireworks and enforcement, asked staff to consult with CSU and surrounding neighborhoods on stadium or campus event impacts, and urged caution when considering raising ambient decibel thresholds because of potential neighborhood impacts. Several councilors also asked staff to provide benchmarks from comparable cities, to tie time‑of‑day rules to specific places and uses rather than a single citywide schedule, and to ensure enforcement resources and cross‑department coordination are in place before adopting new standards.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with Phase 1 ordinance language and education plans, and launch Phase 2 outreach and technical work through the summer with a target of draft recommendations in the autumn.