Portland was the first city in the U.S. to establish a Noise Control office. Has it done any good? Portland's Noise Control Officer Paul van Orden, his predecessor Paul Herman, and Noise Review Board chair David Sweet talk about what the office was designed to do, what it has actually accomplished and what they would like to do in the future. If you think helicopters, unmuffled cars and your neighbor's stereo are affronts to Portland's famed livability, or if you think a jackhammer makes a beautiful sound, listen to this conversation to find out what rights and responsibilities you have.
For further information and to take action:
Noise Control Office, City of Portland 503-823-7350 or www.portlandonline.com and select "Noise Control" from the "Services" window
Noise Control Ordinance is Title 18 of the City Code, available at www.portlandonline.com
The Noise Control Office, which is shorthanded, will loan noise meters to citizens who can log noise and report back to the Office
Portland Bureau of Environmental Services deals with garbage collection rules 503-823-7740
Port of Portland Noise Hotline 503-460-4100 www.pdxnoise.com The Port operates Portland International, Troutdale, Hillsboro and Aurora Airports; it does not deal with aircraft that are not taking off or landing.
Federal code on minimum aircraft altitudes (with exception for helicopters) Code of Federal regulations, Section 91.119
Helicopters: generally work out of the News Departments: Channel 2: 503-231-4264, Channel 6: 503-464-0614, Channel 8: 503-226-5111, Channel 12: 503-548-6550
Barking Dogs: Multnomah County Animal Control 503-988-7387. Will not take action without a petition signed by at least three neighbors, but their website www.multnomah.or.us/dscd/pets/barkingdogs.shtml has some helpful information
The Oregonian published "City's Noise Is Catching Many Ears" with a sidebar titled "Speaking Up About Noise" on July 17, 2000, available at www.oregonlive.com
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse: www.nonoise.org
Noise Free America: www.noisefree.org
- KBOO
- KBOO