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Council approves repeal of duplicate ‘plainly audible’ noise rules, consolidates enforcement under technical Title 18 standard
Summary
Portland City Council voted unanimously to repeal two overlapping noise provisions in Title 14 and consolidate noise enforcement under Title 18, a move supporters said will create clearer, more objective enforcement and reduce biased outcomes for music venues and residential musicians.
Portland City Council voted unanimously June 25 to repeal two code sections in Title 14 that relied on a subjective "plainly audible" test for unlawful noise and to consolidate noise enforcement under the city’s technical noise code in Title 18. The ordinance passed 12–0 and was amended to include an emergency clause so the change takes effect promptly.
Supporters told council that keeping a single, decibel‑based standard in Title 18 will reduce jurisdictional confusion, make enforcement more objective and protect Portland’s music ecosystem. Mary Sipe, chair of the Noise Review Board, said the board "unanimously" supported the change and argued Title 18 provides "clear and objective guidelines for noise enforcement using zoning and…
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