About Noise Review Board PIR Subcommittee
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Source: About Noise Review Board PIR Subcommittee ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:10:22 GMT
The Portland International Raceway subcommittee was a group formed to explore possible solutions and feasible recommendations to address community concerns related to noise from the Portland International Raceway. This subcommittee considered solutions that allow all impacted parties to co-exist and live within a more harmonious environment. The Subcommittee produced a report with recommendations to the Noise Review Board, who then will present the final report to City Council if needed.
The makeup of the subcommittee included:
- Interested Parties (neighbors with "lived experience" or noise subject matter experts)
- PIR Users and Visitors (track users, spectators, and visitors)
- PIR Staff
- Noise Review Board Members
The goal of the Noise Review Board’s Portland International Raceway Subcommittee was to:
- Bring community members together for constructive dialogue and further understand the Portland International Raceway’s noise impacts.
- Identify next steps to possible solutions to address community concerns related to noise from the Portland International Raceway.
After a thorough and detailed examination of the noise issues and possible mitigation strategies, the subcommittee has finalized its findings. The NRB members on the subcommittee have voted on recommendations, which have been submitted to the main Noise Review Board. The board can now advance these recommendations to city leadership for consideration.
Why was the Subcommittee Formed?
Portland International Raceway (PIR) has a long and rich history and over the years it has provided substantial entertainment and economic benefits for the community. Portland Parks and Recreation’s is the owner and manager of PIR, and their mission ↗ is to provide safe places, facilities, and programs which promote physical, mental, and social activity.
Neighbors living near the track have voiced concern about noise, and other livability issues, generated by PIR. Their concerns are valid and need to be considered. In fact, a 2011 World Health Organization study reported that continual noise sets off the body’s acute stress response, which raises blood pressure and heart rate. Based on community feedback and evidence-based research, the Noise Review Board has recommended forming a Portland International Raceway Subcommittee to learn more about the issues and create productive solutions.
Issues pertaining to other areas of city policies and practices other than specifically pertaining to Noise were not considered by this sub-committee.
PIR’s Noise Levels & the City’s Title 18 Noise Ordinance
Racetracks across the country have been challenged with finding a balance between benefits to community versus protecting nearby residents from negative effects of excessive and prolonged noise.
Over the years, neighbors of PIR have submitted reports about noise levels exceeding the sound levels established in the City’s Noise Ordinance, Title 18 ↗ for motor vehicle racing events. The challenge for the Noise Control Office has been clearly identifying the source of the noise complaints. The location of the PIR is also close to many other noise sources such as train tracks, industrial sights, flightpath, traffic, and industrial sites.
Studies and reports have been conducted by the Noise Office and by consultants were hired by the City to better understand the level of noise and impact of noise on neighbors of the racetrack.