Elyria, OH Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Elyria addresses low frequency sound in the noise disturbances section, § 509.08, in two places.

The first is the definition inside paragraph (c)(1). That paragraph makes it a violation to run radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices so loudly that they annoy or disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of persons where the noise is plainly audible at a distance of more than fifty feet within the city from 12:00 p.m. midnight until 8:00 a.m. The code then defines plainly audible as any sound that clearly can be heard by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of fifty or more feet. Words or phrases need not be discernible, and the sound includes bass reverberation. That sentence matters for subwoofers and car stereos: an officer does not need to make out lyrics, because the thump of bass heard at that distance meets the test.

The second is paragraph (c)(10), Vibration. It prohibits operating or permitting the operation of any device that creates vibration above the vibration perception threshold of any individual at or beyond the property boundary of the source. The code defines that threshold as the minimum ground or structure-born vibrational motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration by direct means, such as sensation by touch or visual observation of moving objects. No decibel meter is named; the standard is human perception.

Separate from the midnight to 8:00 a.m. rule, paragraph (c)(1A) bars boom boxes and vehicle audio systems at a volume that disturbs others. Emergency alert sound and emergency work are exempt under § 509.08(d).