Cleveland, OH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Cleveland, OH, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $25 per application
- Permit authority
- Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses
- Max single permit
- 14 consecutive days
- Annual cap per location
- 30 days per calendar year
- Prohibited times
- Sundays, 8 p.m.-10 a.m.
- Buffer zone
- 500 ft. of school, church, hospital
- Power cap
- 20 watts, 2% max distortion
Summary
Cleveland requires a $25 permit from the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses before using drums, loudspeakers or other amplifying devices outdoors to promote a performance, show, or sale, capped at 30 days a year per location under § 683.06.
No person shall play or use any drum, loudspeaker, radio, audio system or other instrument or sound amplifying device for the purpose of creating noise to attract attention to any performance or show or any sale or display of merchandise without first obtaining a permit therefor in accordance with Section 683.07.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
07. 06(b) separately requires a permit before a commercial enterprise in a permanent building may operate a sound amplifying system deliberately placed to be plainly audible outside the structure to advertise products or invite patronage. 07 requires an application to the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses; on payment of a $25 fee the Commissioner issues the permit only if the Director of Public Safety is satisfied it will not create unnecessary and unseemly noise detrimental to health or comfort, and no permit may run more than 14 consecutive days or, combined with other permits, exceed 30 days per calendar year at a specific location.
, or within 500 feet of a school, church or hospital, and caps power output at 20 watts with maximum distortion of 2% at full volume. 10 allows an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 10 days of a denial, revocation or suspension, with a hearing scheduled within 10 more days.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 683.99(a), a first violation is a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a mandatory $250 fine and up to 30 days in jail; the equipment used in a violation of Sections 683.01 or 683.02 is seized under RC Chapter 2981, though the seizure clause is limited to those two sections. Section 683.99(b) raises a subsequent violation to a third-degree misdemeanor with a mandatory $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail, and Section 683.99(e) treats each day of continuing violation as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for outdoor amplified music promoting an event in Cleveland?
How long can an outdoor sound permit last in Cleveland?
What hours are off-limits for permitted outdoor sound devices?
Can Cleveland deny or revoke an outdoor sound permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.