Noise Ordinance Enforcement in Boulder, Colorado

Abstract

The City of Boulder, Colorado, has had an active noise control program for three years. The levels set for vehicles are more stringent than those of California and the enforcement statistics have shown that these lower levels can be reasonably applied at the present time-even to motorcycles. Enforcement is accomplished primarily outside the Police Department using the “soft fuzz” approach. The techniques used to maximize compliance with minimum personnel will be described. The educational program for civic groups and students, an important part of the enforcement program, are discussed. The City is currently spending about 23¢ per capita per year on noise control and may be second only to Inglewood, California. The results of a survey of citizenry taken two years after the passage of the ordinance are given. The experience has resulted in the writing of a more comprehensive ordinance, which is described. Agreements among city departments for noise prevention planning are described.