The purpose of the noise control ordinance is to allow all residents of our city to peacefully coexist in a manner that is mutually respectful of the rights and interests of others.

To report noise in your neighborhood, contact the Burlington Police Department at 658-2704.

Below is a summary (not the official language) of Burlington's noise ordinance:

1. The noise ordinance applies 24 hours a day. There are also special "quiet hours" for the city from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
   
2. Unreasonable noise is prohibited. Noise is unreasonable when it is unreasonably loud given the time, place, and nature of the noise. Noise that is plainly audible between apartments or houses between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am is considered unreasonable. Sound systems, TVs, and radios cannot be played in an unreasonably loud manner.
    
3. Noise from parties and social gatherings have special regulations. Such gatherings are defined as situations where one or more participants are not residents. In the event of a noise disturbance, all of the residents at a premise are considered liable in addition to any other person engaged in making noise. Residents who may not have been involved in a disturbance may seek special consideration and should consult with the issuing officer and may also seek special consideration from the court in a judicial proceeding.
    
4. Machinery, power equipment, and construction noise are prohibited from between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am.

Read the complete noise control ordinance online.

Party/Social Noise Fines

• First violation:  $300 for an uncontested ticket
• Second violation:  $400 for an uncontested ticket
• Subsequent violations:  Criminal offense and $500

General Noise Fines

• First violation:  $200 for an uncontested ticket
• Second violation:  $300 for an uncontested ticket
• Subsequent violations:  Criminal offense and $500

If you get a noise ticket…

First, ask yourself: “Do I feel responsible for causing noise that may have negatively impacted my community?”

If NO, you have the right to contest your ticket. There is a range of non-waiver penalties. For more information, contact the City Attorney's Office at 865-7121.

If YES, you are eligible to participate in the Burlington Community Justice Center's Restorative Noise Program. Contact us within seven (7) days of receiving your ticket to schedule an intake appointment. Call 865-7155.

Restorative Noise Program

The impact of noise is a big issue in Burlington's downtown neighborhoods. The Burlington Community Justice Center's noise program provides a restorative response to noise tickets that is constructive for the person who caused noise and the community as a whole.

If you receive a noise ticket and willingly accept responsibility for causing noise that may have negatively impacted the community, you are eligible to participate in the Restorative Noise Program.

For party/social noise tickets: Reduce your fine by $100 by participating in a two-hour session where you will learn about the history of Burlington, how to avoid future tickets, and ways to solve the issue of noise in our community. Reduce your fine by an additional $100 by performing 10 hours of approved community service.

For general noise tickets: Reduce your fine by $100 by performing 10 hours of approved community service.

Fines paid through the Community Justice Center go to the Parallel Justice Victims Fund, which helps victims of crime restore their safety needs.

To take advantage of this program, you must contact the Community Justice Center within seven (7) days of receiving a ticket. Call 865-7155.

Tips for Safe & Respectful Parties

Talk to your neighbors. Let them know you will be hosting a party and leave your name and phone number so they can call you if it gets too loud or other concerns arise.

Know your guests. Invite a manageable number of people and do not publicize the event. Ask your guests not to invite anyone without your permission and turn away anyone you don't know.

Provide food and non-alcoholic drinks. Eating before, during, and after drinking can help keep people from drinking too much and not having fun. Providing non-alcoholic drinks ensures that all your friends feel welcome, and alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can also help keep people from drinking too much.

Designate a sober bouncer, bartender, and social host. A bouncer can regulate who gets into the party and how noisy it gets. A bartender can make sure no one gets too intoxicated and minors are not served. A social host can keep food and non-alcoholic beverages stocked and talk to neighbors and police, if needed.

Keep your party legal. Find a way to mark people who are of age to drink and don't serve people who are under 21. Keep open containers on private property, discourage drinking games, promote responsible drinking, and turn away people who are drunk. Encourage guests not to accept or leave drinks with someone they don't know and trust. You are legally responsible for people during and after your party, so protect yourself.

Watch the noise level. Minimize gatherings on front porches and yards after 10 pm. Remind guests to be considerate when arriving and leaving. Keep windows closed and walk around outside to check the noise level.

Clean up. Provide ample waste and recycling containers during the party and pick up any trash afterward. Also, check in with your neighbors to find out if they had any concerns.

If the police show up: Talk to them and understand that you need to reduce the noise and end the party.

If the party gets out of control: Call for help from the Burlington Police (658-2700). If you call, you are less likely to get in trouble and they can help with out of control guests.