Norman, OK Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily
- Governing section
- NCC 16-208(b), loading operation clause
- Variance authority
- Police Department, NCC 16-210
- Variance limit
- Up to 4 days, 7 permits per site yearly
- Enforcement
- Norman Police Department
- Extra remedy
- Injunction/nuisance abatement under NCC 16-212
Summary
Norman's noise ordinance bans loading, unloading, or handling boxes, crates, containers, and garbage containers between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it causes a noise disturbance or exceeds the district sound limits in NCC 16-205. The rule targets delivery trucks and warehouse docks near homes. Violators face fines under the City's penalty schedule, with each night a separate offense.
General prohibitions. In addition to the specific prohibitions outlined in subsection (b) of this section and NCC 16-205 and 16-211, it shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance within the limits of the City. Specific prohibitions. The following acts are declared to be in violation of this article: ... Loading operation. Loading, unloading, opening or otherwise handling boxes, crates, containers, garbage containers or other objects between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to violate NCC 16-205 or cause a noise disturbance.
Full Breakdown
the following day in a manner that violates the district sound limits in NCC 16-205 or causes a noise disturbance. Those limits run from 50 dB(A) at night in residential districts up to 65-70 dB(A) daytime readings, with any stationary noise source measured at the property boundary using a Type II sound level meter under NCC 16-207. A business that cannot avoid nighttime loading, such as a grocery distribution dock, can apply to the Police Department for a variance under NCC 16-210. The Police Department may grant relief for up to four consecutive days at a time, capped at seven permits per location per year (public parks excepted), and can attach conditions on timing, sound level, or equipment.
Appeals of a denied or limited permit go to the City Manager. Enforcement runs through the Police Department, which investigates noise-disturbance complaints and can cite a hauler or business under NCC 16-211. Because loading noise is also treated as a public nuisance under NCC 16-212, the City can seek a restraining order or injunction against a repeat offender.
Violations & Fines
A first loading-noise citation is punished by a fine as set under the City's penalty and fine schedule referenced in NCC 16-211, and jail time is authorized though rarely sought for a first offense. Each night handling continues past 9:00 p.m. counts as a separate violation, so a distribution center running late over several nights can be cited repeatedly. NCC 16-212 also lets the City pursue an injunction against a repeat offender as a nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a delivery company get an exception to unload after 9 p.m. in Norman?
What decibel limit applies to nighttime deliveries near homes?
Who enforces the Norman loading-noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norman
Compare Norman to another location·View the Oklahoma noise from specific sources overview
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