Noise Ordinances in Broken Arrow, OK: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Broken Arrow or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Broken Arrow has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Construction Hours

Broken Arrow does not have a separate construction-hours ordinance. Construction noise falls under the general quiet hours restrictions in Section 16-12. Operating loud equipment audible from 50 feet during quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM Sun–Thu, 11 PM–7 AM Fri–Sat) is prohibited. Exceptions exist for emergency and municipal services.

Key details: Ordinance: §16-12 (general noise). Prohibited Hours: Same as quiet hours. Exemptions: Emergency/municipal services. Report: (918) 259-8400 non-emergency.

First offense: $100 to $500. Stop-work orders for violations outside permitted hours. Repeat offenses: up to $1,000.

Quiet Hours

Broken Arrow Code of Ordinances Section 16-12 (Disturbing the Peace) establishes quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 11 PM to 7 AM Friday and Saturday. Noise audible from 50 feet away during these hours is considered disturbing the peace. Minimum fine of $50 upon conviction.

Key details: Ordinance: §16-12 Disturbing the Peace. Sun–Thu: 10 PM – 7 AM. Fri–Sat: 11 PM – 7 AM. Min Fine: $50.

First offense: warning or citation $50 to $500. Misdemeanor under 21 O.S. §1289: up to $100 fine and/or 30 days jail.

Barking Dogs

Broken Arrow Chapter 5 (Animals) addresses animal noise nuisances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors may be enforced under the general noise ordinance (§16-12) and animal control provisions. Oklahoma state law (4 O.S. §44) also addresses dangerous and nuisance dogs. Complaints can be filed with Broken Arrow Animal Control.

Key details: Animal Code: Chapter 5 (Animals). Noise Code: §16-12. State Law: 4 O.S. §44 (dangerous dog). Report: BA Animal Control.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $50 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Amplified Music & Events

Broken Arrow regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. 21 O.S. §1289 applies.

Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: 21 O.S. §1289. Quiet Hours: Strictly enforced.

Noise violation: $50 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disturbing the peace: misdemeanor up to $100 fine.

The Bottom Line

Broken Arrow'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 Broken Arrow is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Broken Arrow can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.