Noise
A noise ordinance sets appropriate noise levels at certain times of the day in order to reduce the impacts of noise on the community while balancing community vibrancy and activities. Aspen's noise ordinance outlines the maximum noise levels allowed during nighttime and daytime hours in each of the City's zone districts as measured in decibels (dBA):
File a complaint through Aspen 311 Connect.
Are you concerned about the level of noise at home or work? Follow these steps:
- Talk to your neighbor before making an official complaint (this usually works best!)
- Measure noise levels to determine that the noise is higher than allowed
- You can download the NIOSH application on your phone to measure noise on your own
- Check out a noise meter from the Environmental Health and Sustainability Office.
- Noise level readings should be taken at your property line.
- If communication fails and your noise levels are higher than allowed, contact Environmental Health and Sustainability Department or the Aspen Police Department.
Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
The Aspen City Council banned the use of gas powered leaf blowers in 2003 in response to numerous noise complaints and a citizen petition requesting a ban. Read the City's noise ordinance for more information.
Aspen allows electric leaf blowers, which are cleaner, quieter, and better for air quality and health. Below is an electric leaf blower:
I saw someone using a gas-powered leaf blower, what should I do?
- You may tell them that using a gas-powered leaf blower in Aspen is not allowed
- You may report the illegal use of gas-powered leaf blowers by contacting theEnvironmental Health and Sustainability Department. In order for us to take action, we will need your contact information and any information regarding your observations, including photos. This information will be necessary if a citation is issued.
Amplified Noise at Special Events
Public Event
If you are hosting a special event, you will likely need to apply for a Special Event Permit if your noise levels are going to be higher than regularly allowed. This could include:
- Bands
- DJs
- Use of microphones or speakerphones
If you are hosting a Public Event:
- If the general public is invited to the event:
- Your event may require a Special Event Permit.
- Review the noise ordinance to know all of the specific requirements for amplified noise at public special events. However, the key points are that the maximum decibel limit at the perimeter of the event is 100dBA between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Don’t forget to give the neighbors a seven-day advance notice.
If you are hosting a Private Event
If the general public is not invited to the event,
- Review the noise ordinance to know all of the specific requirements for amplified noise at public special events. However, the key points are that the maximum decibel limit at the perimeter of the event is 80dBA between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (the Environmental Health Department has a noise meter you may borrow). Don’t forget to give the neighbors a seven-day advance notice!
Construction Noise
For construction noise concerns, please contact the City of Aspen Engineering Department at cmphelp@aspen.gov or 970-920-5080.