Noise Ordinances in Lima, OH (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for Lima, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Lima has no fixed clock-based quiet hours. Instead, Codified Ordinance 648.20 bans any 'noise disturbance' that crosses a property boundary at any hour, day or night, judged by whether it disturbs a person of ordinary sensibilities.
Lima Noise Limitations and Quiet Enjoyment
Some RestrictionsLima C.O. 648.20
"Noise disturbance" means any unreasonably loud, raucous, disturbing or unnecessary noise; any noise of such character, intensity or duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of the Municipality or which is likely to be detrimental to or cause inconvenience or annoyance to a person of ordinary sensibilities.
Construction Hours
Lima's Codified Ordinances set no specific clock hours for construction work. Construction noise is instead governed by the general noise-disturbance standard of Ordinance 648.20, which bars unreasonably loud or unnecessary noise across property lines at any hour.
Construction Noise Hours in Lima
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Persistent barking or animal noise that disturbs neighbors is enforceable in Lima as a 'noise disturbance' under Codified Ordinance 648.20. Ohio Revised Code 955.22 separately requires owners to keep dogs under reasonable control.
Barking Dog and Animal Noise Rules in Lima
Some RestrictionsORC 955.22(C)
The owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises... by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape, or keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.
Leaf Blower Rules
Lima has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance and no ban on gas blowers. Leaf blowers and lawn equipment are treated like any other noise source under the general noise-disturbance standard of Codified Ordinance 648.20.
Leaf Blower and Yard Equipment Noise in Lima
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Lima Codified Ordinance 648.20 prohibits operating radios, loudspeakers, and sound-reproduction devices so as to create a noise disturbance across a property boundary, in or about a vehicle, or in a public place. Fines run from $100 to $500.
Amplified Music and Loudspeaker Rules in Lima
Some RestrictionsLima C.O. 648.20
No person shall operate or permit the operation of any radio, television, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, musical instrument or other device for producing or reproducing sound in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a boundary of property, or when operated in or about a motor vehicle on a public right of way or at a public place.
Aircraft Noise
Lima cannot regulate aircraft noise. Aircraft operations and noise are governed exclusively by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local ordinances. Lima's noise code (648.20) applies only to ground-based sources.
Aircraft Noise Near Lima
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Lima has no separate industrial decibel standard. Commercial and industrial noise is regulated through the general 'noise disturbance' rule in Codified Ordinance 648.20 and zoning; heavy uses are separated from homes by Lima's zoning districts.
Industrial and Commercial Noise in Lima
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
No. Lima's noise ordinance does not set numeric decibel (dBA) limits. Codified Ordinance 648.20 uses a qualitative 'noise disturbance' standard judged by whether the noise unreasonably disturbs a person of ordinary sensibilities.
Does Lima Have a Decibel Limit?
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music, live bands, and party sound systems are regulated in Lima as a 'noise disturbance' under Codified Ordinance 648.20 when they cross a property boundary. Permitted public events are exempt.
Outdoor Music and Party Noise in Lima
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Loud car stereos are cited under Lima Ordinance 648.20. Exhaust and muffler noise is controlled by Ohio Revised Code 4513.22, which requires every vehicle and motorcycle to have a working muffler preventing excessive or unusual noise.
Vehicle and Muffler Noise Rules in Lima
Some RestrictionsORC 4513.22(A)
Every motor vehicle and motorcycle with an internal combustion engine shall at all times be equipped with a muffler which is in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
Looking for Allen County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lima city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Allen County →