Oklahoma City, OK Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential dBA cap
- 55 dBA day / 50 dBA night
- Commercial dBA cap
- 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night
- Industrial dBA cap
- 70 dBA day and night
- Emergency exemption
- disaster/relief generators exempt
- Penalty
- Class 'a' offense, repeat = Class 'b'
Summary
Portable and standby generators count as a regulated 'stationary source of sound' under City Code Section 34-6, capped at 50 to 80 dBA depending on zoning district and time of day, measured at the property line.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or to permit to be operated any stationary source of sound which...exceeds limits as set out within a given time division of land use classifications of Table I..."Stationary source of sound" means a device which creates sound while fixed in position, including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural machinery, pumps, fans, compressors, air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Oklahoma City treats any fixed generator as a 'stationary source of sound' under Section 34-6(c), subject to Table I's dBA caps: residential zones top out at 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA overnight (10 p.m.-7 a.m.), commercial zones at 60/55 dBA, and industrial zones at 70/70 dBA, each measured at the property boundary. Section 34-4(a)(3) separately bans excessive exhaust noise from any 'stationary, portable or mobile engine.' Generators run for disaster or emergency relief are exempt under Section 34-5(3). Enforcement runs through the City Manager's designated enforcement officer, who can issue an abatement order before any court filing.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 34 is a Class 'a' offense; a second or subsequent violation is a Class 'b' offense. Each day of a continuous disturbance counts as one separate offense under Section 34-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a portable generator during a power outage in OKC?
What's the nighttime noise limit for a generator in a residential area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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