How Parma Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide
Parma maintains 135 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Parma falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Parma bans playing a car radio, CD player or other audio system loudly enough to be "plainly audible" to anyone outside the vehicle from 100 feet away under Codified Ordinances § 669.02, and officers may cite a driver based solely on hearing a "rhythmic bass reverberating-type sound," without identifying the song, lyrics or artist, enforced through an Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket.
Key details: Plainly audible test: Audible 100 feet from the vehicle. Proof standard: Bass sound alone proves a violation. First offense: Minor misdemeanor, fine not reduced. Repeat within 36 hours: Becomes 4th-degree misdemeanor. Enforcement method: Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket.
A first offense is a minor misdemeanor under Section 669.99(a), with the fine set by Section 698.02 and barred from being suspended, waived or reduced; Section 669.02 offenses are ticketed on an Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket. Anyone cited again, or warned by an officer to stop, within thirty-six hours is guilty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor on the repeat offense.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Parma caps amplified sound in bars, clubs, and other places of public entertainment at 95 dBA where customers stand, unless a hearing-damage warning sign is posted at every entrance, and at 50 dBB measured at nearby residential property lines between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Key details: Interior limit: 95 dBA without warning sign. Sign requirement: posted at every public entrance. Residential boundary limit: 50 dBB, 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.. Governing section: Codified Ordinances 634.03(b). Base penalty: minor misdemeanor per day.
Exceeding either sound limit in Section 634.03(b) without the required signage or during restricted nighttime hours is a minor misdemeanor, or a fourth-degree misdemeanor if willful or knowing, under Section 634.03(m), with each day of continued violation charged separately.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Parma bars running a window air conditioning unit that sits less than 20 feet from a neighboring house if it creates a noise disturbance. The rule targets window and through-wall units specifically rather than central HVAC systems, and a first violation is only a minor misdemeanor.
Key details: Governing section: Codified Ordinances 634.03(l). Distance trigger: less than 20 feet from adjacent house. Equipment covered: window air conditioning units. Base penalty: minor misdemeanor. Willful violation: fourth-degree misdemeanor.
A violation of Section 634.03(l) is a minor misdemeanor unless committed willfully or knowingly, which raises it to a fourth-degree misdemeanor under Section 634.03(m); each day the unit's disturbance continues is a separate offense, punishable under Section 698.02.
The rules around hvac & mechanical noise in Parma lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Car Alarm Limits
Parma allows vehicle theft alarms but bars any device that doubles as an ordinary warning signal, and separately outlaws sirens, whistles or bells on private vehicles. Violating either rule is a minor misdemeanor under Codified Ordinance 337.19.
Key details: Governing section: Codified Ord. 337.19(a)(2). Theft alarm allowed: Yes, if not usable as a warning signal. Siren/whistle/bell on private cars: Prohibited outright. Penalty: Minor misdemeanor. State authority codified: ORC 4513.21.
Equipping a vehicle with a theft alarm that can function as an ordinary warning signal, or with any siren, whistle or bell, is a minor misdemeanor under Codified Ordinance 337.19(b), citing ORC 4513.21. Misusing the horn, including an alarm-triggered horn sounding without cause to warn drivers or pedestrians, violates 337.19(c). Minor misdemeanors in Ohio carry up to a $150 fine and no jail time for a first offense.
The Bottom Line
Parma's noise from specific sources 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 Parma is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Parma's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.