Knowledge Base

Washoe County does not have a noise ordinance that restricts works hours for construction sites. 

CH110 Article 414 Noise and Lighting (page 340)

WCC Ch110 Article 414 states that noise thresholds may not exceed a certain decibel  level for a 24 hour period.  The code highlighted below is an exemption to WCC, meaning that temporary construction sites are exempt from this 24 hour period during the hours of 7am and 7pm.  This is not the construction site’s working hours, but the 12 hour period which they are exempt from the 24 hour period which a sound reading would be taken.

Section 110.414.10 Measurement. Measurement of sound levels shall be in accordance with

the provisions of this section.

(c) Timing and Number of Measurements. A twenty-four (24) hour measurement

shall be taken. The sound level shall be the average of the hourly readings with

the Ldn or day-night average sound level weighting.

Section 110.414.20 Exceptions. The following sources of noise are exempt from the

regulations of this article:

(a) Motor vehicles and other noise-generating equipment not under the control of the

property;

(b) Emergency vehicles and equipment;

(c) Temporary construction, repair or demolition activities occurring between 7:00

a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday; and

(d) Any use approved through a variance that specifically reviewed the issue of

noise created by the use.

[Amended by Ord. 959, provisions eff. 7/26/96.]

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53.140 Disturbing the peace. Every person who shall maliciously

and willfully disturb the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or person

or family by loud or unusual noises, or by tumultuous and offensive

conduct, threatening, traducing, quarreling, challenging to fight,

or fighting, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

For additional information, please contact Washoe311 Service Center at:

• Website: https://www.washoecounty.us/servicerequest.php

• Phone Number: 775-328-2003

• Email: washoe311@washoecounty.us