The NoCo Herald

Larimer and Weld counties, Colorado

Cloudy, 47° in Fort Collins at 9:55 AM. Forecast high 57, low 45.

Fort Collins

How to report noise problems in Fort Collins

·Fort Collins·Larimer County

Loud parties and idling vehicles go to non-emergency police; barking dog complaints go to NOCO Humane.

Fort Collins residents can report noise concerns online or by phone, but parties and barking dogs have different contacts.

Here’s what the noise rules cover, how to report a concern and what happens next.

What noise violates Fort Collins' rules?

Sounds that are too loud for an area or time of day may violate Fort Collins’ noise rules. Residential limits are 55 dB(A) or below from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and under 50 dB(A) from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Commercial limits are 60 dB(A) by day and 55 dB(A) at night. Industrial and employment zones have limits of up to 80 dB(A) by day.

The city says a sound may also violate the rules if it would bother a reasonable person, risk someone’s safety or damage property, even if it is not very loud. Noise between apartment units follows the limits for the surrounding zoning district.

Lawn and domestic power tools and construction and demolition work are allowed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. even if they exceed noise limits. Other listed exceptions include snow removal equipment, church bells, emergency vehicles, aircraft, city operations, and agricultural and golf course maintenance equipment. The city says emergency work and activities with special City permission may also be allowed. The full rule is in Fort Collins’ Noise Code Sec. 20-21.

How do I report noise to Fort Collins Code Compliance?

You can report a concern through Access Fort Collins, which Code Compliance identifies as the easiest way to do it.

You can also call Code Compliance at 970-416-2350 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to leave a complaint message. The team will follow up after hearing it.

Which noise complaints go to other responders?

Fort Collins directs you to non-emergency police dispatch for people noise, including loud parties and idling vehicles. NOCO Humane handles barking dog concerns. Their contacts are:

Other noise contacts

How do I report an idling vehicle?

You can report an idling violation while it is occurring to non-emergency police at 970-419-3273 (extension 3). Leaving a vehicle running unattended is illegal, and trucks over 14,000 pounds may not idle for more than five minutes.

For past idling, you can submit a report through Access Fort Collins. The alleged violator will be sent an educational letter.

Can I report noise anonymously?

You may submit a Code Compliance complaint anonymously, but an anonymous report may limit follow-up.

What happens after I report a noise concern?

After you submit a Code Compliance complaint, an inspector will visit the property as soon as possible. Most issues are resolved voluntarily after property owners are notified.

The city measures noise with sound level meters from 25 feet away or at the edge of the nearest property. It does not take measurements during high winds.

You can submit questions, comments and service requests and review request status through the city’s general Access Fort Collins service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.