Newark, OH Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Chapter 634 of the Newark Code of Ordinances treats bars, clubs and music venues in the City of Newark, Ohio under one paragraph, Section 634.04(a)(2). Section 634.02(17) defines a place of public entertainment as any commercial facility open to the general public for purposes of entertainment, so the rule reaches a bar with a jukebox or band as readily as a dedicated nightclub.

The paragraph covers any radio, television, phonograph, drum or other musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound. The trigger is a noise disturbance across residential areas, and the quiet window runs from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. of the following day Sunday through Thursday, and from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday into the following day. A venue can operate outside those limits only if the Director of Public Safety has issued it a special variance.

A noise disturbance is any sound that endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers or injures personal or real property. A residential area means land zoned R-S, R-1, R-2 or R-3 under the Zoning Code.

Subparagraph A adds an indoor safety standard that applies at any hour. Sound levels inside the venue greater than 95 dba, as read by the slow response on a sound level meter at any point normally occupied by a customer, are not permitted unless a conspicuous and legible sign is posted outside near each public entrance carrying a warning about permanent hearing impairment.

Section 634.06(a) exempts organized school-related programs, municipal-authorized parades and municipal-sanctioned concerts in public parks. Separately, the Table 1 limits in Section 634.05 cap residential receiving property at 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 60 dBA otherwise. The paragraph was last amended by Ord. 22-43, passed 11-21-22.