According to Colorado noise statutes, making unreasonable amounts of noise may result in a ticket. Although noise ordinances vary greatly from municipality to municipality, most of Colorado’s municipal codes prohibit people from causing loud noises or disturbances. This is especially true if these noises injure, disturb, or endanger others. Some municipalities prohibit the use of sound-producing devices entirely.
Noise statutes apply differently depending on where you live. As such, it can be difficult to determine appropriate volume and noise levels if you aren’t sure what the rules are in your area.
If you have been charged with a noise violation in Colorado and would like a lawyer to defend you in court, call Koziel & Lehr Law LLC. We will do everything in our power to get your noise violation charges dismissed, reduced, or defeated entirely!
Koziel & Lehr Law LLC was created to help families and people who need legal assistance in Colorado. Our legal practice was built around a vision for a collaborative, sophisticated, and zealous criminal defense and family law firm. We have spent our careers representing the accused and want to continue to help you through the complex and challenging judicial system.
Fighting Noise Violation Tickets in Colorado
In Colorado, noise ordinances exist to ensure that people can live their lives comfortably and without disturbance in a community. While these community ordinances are important, sometimes, it is impossible to keep them. So how do you fight a noise violation ticket?
First of all, you have the right to challenge your ticket in court. We recommend hiring one of our skilled noise violation lawyers. We can help you find the easiest way to have your ticket dismissed or have the amount of your ticket reduced.
We can help you schedule a court date to challenge your noise violation. Our attorneys can also walk you through the process of using concise legal terminology to clearly state how your local ordinances were not violated when the ticket was issued.
Noise violations can be difficult to prove. As such, fighting your ticket might be a wise move. Many officers do not carry devices that calibrate the decibel levels of sounds at all times. To find out more or to have us review your unique situation, call today!
What the Law Says About Noise Violations in Colorado
So what are the Colorado noise statutes? Well, this area of law is more complex than most people realize. Colorado’s noise statutes are the rules that determine the maximum permissible noise levels based on the zone you live in. In Colorado, there are four zones.
Colorado Zones
- Residential (50 – 55 Decibels)
- Commercial (55 – 60 Decibels)
- Light Industrial (65 – 70 Decibels)
- Industrial (75 – 80 Decibels)
What zones have the most noise violations?
Most noise complaints and violations occur in residential zones. Residential areas are places like neighborhoods where people maintain residences and live. However, if you live in an apartment building downtown, you may technically live in a commercial zone. This could be important if you are dealing with a complaint from a downstairs neighbor.
What are commercial and industrial zones?
Commercial zones usually encompass high-traffic places like stores, commercial areas, or public spaces. Light industrial areas and industrial areas are usually located on the outer reaches of a city. However, railroads are also considered industrial zones.
What are the decibel limits in each zone?
In each zone, sounds are permitted to reach a certain decibel level between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM. After 7 PM, residents or the people in a zone are expected to lower noise production by a factor of about 5 decibels. This does not include exceptions like sporting events or fireworks displays. Ambient noise is also considered in each scenario.
In residential areas, 55 decibels of sound are permitted from 7 AM to 7 PM. After 7 PM, the decibel level of noises must be below 50. In commercial zones, decibel levels of 60 are permitted between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM. After 7 PM, only 55 decibels of sound are permitted. SITE
In light industrial areas, between 70 decibels are permitted during the day. After 7 PM, only 65 decibels of sound are permitted. Finally, in industrial areas, 80 decibels of sound are permitted between the hours of 7 AM to 7 PM. After 7 PM, only 75 decibels of sound are permitted.
Are there exceptions to these noise statutes?
Yes, there are many exceptions to noise statutes. Permits are available for those holding charitable events, non-profit organizations, churches, and other organized entities.
Moreover, sporting events, concerts, festivals, firework displays, and other entertainment activities may have exceptions to these zoning statutes. Periodic, shrill, or impulsive noises can be considered a public noise nuisance if they are within 5 decibels of the zoning noise violation limits.
These laws do not apply to the operation of aircraft. So, helicopters and airplanes aren’t considered in noise violation cases. Also, construction projects are subject to certain amendments. Construction sites are allowed to make the maximum permissible noise levels of industrial zones for reasonable periods until the completion of a project.
Common Causes of Noise Violations
There are many reasons that a person could receive a noise violation. After all, noise happens! Here are some of the most common reasons that someone might receive a noise violation.
Most Common Causes of Noise Violations
- Running equipment such as a lawnmower, leaf blower, or something similar
- Playing music too loudly or playing music with a subwoofer system installed in a vehicle
- Having people over to your home for a party or holding any large gathering
- Arguing or getting into a fight with another individual in your residence
- Dogs barking in a fenced yard or inside of a home during the day while you are at work
As you can see, there are many common causes of noise violations. However, sometimes making noise is simply unavoidable. If you are being charged with a noise violation, allow our attorneys to defend you! Our team will do everything we can to reduce any charges or violations that you have been given so that you can stop stressing and get on with life.
Noise Violation Defense Attorneys With a Broad Understanding Colorado’s Statutes and Laws
Koziel & Lehr Law can handle all levels of offenses. From the most serious disorderly conduct charges to the smallest municipal offenses, we have your back. At Koziel & Lehr Law, we are serious about working collaboratively to achieve the best possible case outcomes for our clients. Together, we will work hard to protect your rights and your future!
About Koziel & Lehr Law LLC
Koziel & Lehr Law LLC was formed by two former public defenders, who are passionate about zealously advocating for their clients. By practicing in criminal defense in both Colorado Springs, Denver, and the Denver Metro area, Ms. Koziel and Ms. Lehr developed a broad understanding of the jurisdictional issues our clients face.
The team here at Koziel & Lehr Law LLC takes a holistic approach to every single case. We develop in-depth mitigation strategies and work with social workers and investigators to present the full picture of our clients’ lives to the District Attorneys.
Additionally, we understand that not all cases will have the favorable or desirable outcomes that our clients require. For this reason, if a case does not resolve in a dismissal or a favorable plea bargain, we are skilled and experienced trial lawyers. We handle all levels of offenses.
Call Koziel & Lehr Law Now for Assistance at (720) 314-8750.