How Akron Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Akron maintains 119 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Akron falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Akron bans amplified sound from radios, speakers, and musical instruments that causes unreasonable noise likely to annoy people of ordinary sensibilities. Sound audible more than 80 feet from the source's property line between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in residential or U-1/U-2 zoned areas is presumed unlawful under City Code Chapter 132.
Key details: Governing section: Akron City Code § 132.16. Residential quiet window: 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.. Residential audibility threshold: Over 80 feet from property line. Public right-of-way threshold: Audible 100 feet from device. First offense penalty: Minor misdemeanor, up to $150.
A first violation of § 132.16 is generating unreasonable noise, a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $150 under § 130.99(E). If the person persists after a reasonable warning or request to desist, the offense escalates to a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $350 under § 130.99(C)(4) and (D)(4). Sound equipment installed in a motor vehicle used in a violation, along with the vehicle itself, is deemed contraband and subject to seizure and forfeiture under Ohio Revised Code §§ 2933.41 through 2933.43.
Vehicle Noise
Akron law requires every motor vehicle and motorcycle to run a working muffler that prevents excessive noise, bans cutout or bypass devices, and caps vehicle sound at ninety decibels measured from twenty feet away, under Akron Codified Ordinances § 74.56. Law enforcement and fire vehicles are exempt from the decibel cap.
Key details: Decibel limit: 90 decibels measured from 20 feet. Muffler mandate: Working muffler required at all times. Banned device: Muffler cutout or bypass prohibited. Exemption: Police and fire vehicles exempt. Governing section: Akron Codified Ordinances § 74.56.
Equipping a vehicle with an illegal cutout, bypass, or oversized aftermarket exhaust, or driving one that tops ninety decibels at twenty feet, is enforced under the Traffic Code's general penalty at § 70.99: a minor misdemeanor for a first offense, a fourth-degree misdemeanor for a second offense within a year, and a third-degree misdemeanor for any further offense within that year. Sellers and installers of noncompliant mufflers face the same penalty tier under § 74.56(C).
Quiet Hours
Akron enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under Chapter 135 of the city code. Decibel limits vary by zoning district, with stricter standards near residential-university buffer zones. Noise plainly audible at a neighboring residence during quiet hours is a violation.
Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM. Code Section: Akron City Code Ch. 135. Enforcement: Akron Police Department. First Offense: Minor misdemeanor, up to $150 fine.
Noise violations are a minor misdemeanor with fines up to $150 for a first offense. Repeat violations within 12 months may be charged as fourth-degree misdemeanors with increased fines and possible jail time.
Barking Dogs
Akron considers persistent barking a public nuisance under Chapter 132 (Offenses Against Public Peace). Dog owners are responsible for preventing excessive barking that disturbs neighbors. Akron Animal Control handles complaints.
Key details: Code: Akron City Code Ch. 132. Standard: Persistent barking disturbing neighbors. Enforcement: Akron Animal Control. Process: Warning, documentation, then citation.
Owners of nuisance barking dogs may receive warnings followed by fines. Repeated violations can result in escalating penalties and mandatory corrective action. Dogs may be impounded in extreme cases.
The Bottom Line
Akron's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Akron is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Akron's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.