As a friendly reminder, we want to review the fundamentals of Ogden City’s noise ordinances to help everyone have a peaceful and enjoyable summer.

Ogden’s noise ordinance (12-14-6) is the same or similar to other communities throughout the state addressing noise levels from vehicles, at parks and other public places, as well as at home in our yards and neighborhoods.

Sound levels coming from a vehicle should not be heard from a distance of 30 feet or from within another vehicle at any distance when all the doors and windows of the other vehicle are closed. In other words, if your car radio can be heard outside your car, or your subwoofers can be felt, you are in violation of the noise ordinance. This ordinance applies both day and night.

State and City laws also restrict vehicle exhaust noise. Modification or removal of exhaust systems is illegal if it creates excessive or unusual noise.

Vehicle noise is a growing issue. If you witness a vehicle noise ordinance violation, please report it to the traffic bureau of Ogden City’s police department who can send an officer to investigate. Report a license plate number and description of the car and driver if possible. Save the following contact information to your cell phone, then simply call 801-629-8285, email loudcars@ogdencity.com, or use the iOgden mobile application to submit a picture of the car.

Similar laws apply to noises at home. The noise ordinance specifies any noise generated from a sound amplification device should not be audible at the property line at any time day or night inside of another dwelling when all of its exterior doors and windows are closed. Just as in our cars, people at home can listen to whatever they choose, but no one has the right to force their neighbors to hear it.

What about barking dogs? Glad you asked. There is no time frame when allowing your animal to be a nuisance is authorized. This ordinance is in effect both day and night. Pet owners are responsible to ensure their pets do not bark, whine, howl or make other disturbing noises for an extended period of time (13-2-7: A4).

Amplified sounds in a park are okay as long as they cannot be heard from a distance of 75 feet.

We all want to be good neighbors and to have good neighbors. Issues with excessive noise occupy a tremendous amount of police and ordinance officers’ time and resources. So please be considerate to others about noise; it’s easy, and it’s the law.