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Oklahoma City, OK Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Test used
"Plainly audible" audibility standard
Neighbor trigger
Audible inside their dwelling unit
Public trigger
Audible 50+ feet away
First offense
Class "a" offense
Repeat offense
Class "b" offense

Summary

Oklahoma City bans running a stereo, subwoofer, or other audio device whose sound is plainly audible inside a neighbor's home or 50 feet away on a public street, without a permit.

Radios, television equipment, electronic audio equipment, musical instruments and similar devices. Operating or permitting the use or operation of any device designed for sound production, amplification, or reproduction, including but not limited to any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, tape recorder, loud speaker, or other similar device: a. if plainly audible within any dwelling unit which is not the source of the sound; or b. on public property or on a public right-of-way so as to be plainly audible 50 feet or more from such device, except as authorized by permit.

View official code

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

Under § 34-4(a)(6), operating a radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or other sound-reproduction device is a violation if it's plainly audible within any dwelling unit that isn't the source, or plainly audible 50 feet or more from the device on public property or a public right-of-way. The city uses an audibility test rather than a decibel meter for this category, so a car stereo or house system whose bass carries through a shared wall or down the block violates the rule even if no dB reading is taken. A City Manager-issued noise permit provides the only exception.

Violations & Fines

First violation is a Class "a" offense; a second or later violation is a Class "b" offense. Continuous disturbances count as one offense per day; non-continuous incidents are charged separately even on the same day (§ 34-10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OKC measure bass with a decibel meter?
Not for this rule. Section 34-4(a)(6) uses a plainly-audible test: if a neighbor can hear it through the wall, it violates regardless of dB level.
Can I get a permit for a loud party with music?
Yes. The City Manager can issue a temporary noise permit, generally limited to three consecutive days, under § 34-7.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Oklahoma City

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsSignificant RestrictionsGenerator NoiseSome RestrictionsBar & Nightclub NoiseSome RestrictionsDelivery Truck NoiseSome RestrictionsHVAC & Mechanical NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome Restrictions

All Oklahoma City rules

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