Help Portland balance neighborhood livability with special events. Join the Noise Review Board.
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Source: Help Portland balance neighborhood livability with special events. Join the Noise Review Board. ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:58:35 GMT
Purposes and roles of the Noise Review Board
Portland's Noise Review Board is unique in the United States because it offers both residents and members of the business community the opportunity to help set the City's policies related to the environmental issues and health impacts of noise.
The Noise Review Board works to improve neighborhood livability by balancing sound-generating activities related to construction and special events with the desire for livable communities. The board reviews applications for noise variances for events and construction that may impact many people or take place over a significant period of time. It also addresses emerging noise problems in the community.
As part of the board, you will also be responsible for working with the Noise Program to advise and make recommendations to the Portland City Council on sound-related code and policy decisions.
Please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested in serving as a volunteer board member and supporting our work.
Eligibility
To be eligible to serve on the Noise Review Board, members must live, play, worship, work, or do business in the City of Portland.
The Noise Review Board is currently comprised of five members: three community member-at-large positions, a representative from the construction industry, and a professional in acoustics. Individuals from the music industry and other noise stakeholders are encouraged to apply.
Volunteers serve three-year terms and may serve a maximum of two terms.
The City of Portland is prioritizing recruitment process for a position that will soon be vacant: community member-at-large. Applications from individuals not immediately selected will be retained for consideration as additional seats become available.
The selected member will bring community insights and a commitment to civic engagement. They will play a pivotal role in promoting transparency, fairness, and effective communication within the board and the broader community.
Desired attributes
The City of Portland is at a point of significant transformation as it adapts to a new form of government. It is critically important to have people from all demographics across Portland at the table, providing their advice, perspectives and feedback on the new ways the City provides information to the public about existing regulations and to provide development review, permitting, and enforcement services to the community.
We need systems, processes and services that work for everyone regardless of language, skills, background or neighborhood. If you want to help guide noise review and enforcement and help us better serve our community, we want to see your application if:
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You have an interest in effective, equitable noise review policies, processes, and outcomes.
- You are an advocate for positive and long-lasting outcomes to ensure access and participation for all Portlanders.
- You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
- You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.