Denver Noise Rules Updated to Allow Video Complaints and Earlier Trash Pickup
Denver residents now have an easier way to lodge complaints about early morning or late-night construction noise thanks to changes in city ordinances. Instead of trying to contact health investigators, individuals can now record a video of the noise and submit it to the city for review.
The new noise regulations also permit music festivals to play louder music and allow trash pickup to start an hour earlier, providing more flexibility for solid waste crews.
Proposed by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, the bill aims to update Denver’s noise rules for the first time since 2008.
Previously, construction noise had to exceed a specific decibel limit during restricted hours to be considered a violation, requiring a reading by a public health investigator. Councilwoman Jamie Torres described this process as “an impossible task,” especially in the early morning hours.
Under the new rules, noise only needs to be “plainly audible” during restricted hours to be enforceable. Time-stamped videos capturing the noise can now serve as evidence.
The bill, approved by a 12-1 vote, allows trash and recycling pickup to begin at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. However, there are no immediate plans to change the crews’ schedules, according to Angela Casias, the mayor’s legislative director.
Although an earlier draft of the proposal considered starting pickups as early as 5 a.m. in downtown areas, this provision was removed.
Music festivals, including those on private property, must still end by 10 p.m. but can now emit sounds up to 85 decibels, up from the previous limit of 80 decibels.
Compression engine brakes, commonly known as “Jake Brakes,” are now prohibited within the city under the new ordinance.
Residents can report noise complaints by calling the city’s 311 helpline. The updated regulations reflect the growing density of Denver, which experts predict will lead to increased noise levels in the city.
Councilman Kevin Flynn was the sole dissenting vote on the ordinance, expressing concerns about the potential for trash pickup to start even earlier. He emphasized the importance of addressing noise disturbances without simply adjusting start times.
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