Franklin County, OH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Franklin County, 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
- Authority
- ORC 2917.11
- Test
- Audible at neighbor property
- Typical Cutoff
- 10 PM
- Fine
- Up to 150 dollars
Summary
Amplified music in unincorporated Franklin County is governed by ORC 2917.11 disorderly conduct. Sheriff deputies respond to complaints and can cite hosts whose music is audible beyond 50 feet of the property line at night.
Section 2917.11 | Disorderly conduct.
(A) No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another by doing any of the following:
(1) Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;
(2) Making unreasonable noise or an offensively coarse utterance, gesture, or display or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person;
(3) Insulting, taunting, or challenging another, under circumstances in which that conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;
(4) Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway, or right-of-way, or to, from, within, or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;
(5) Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender. (E)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of disorderly conduct.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (E)(3) and (4) of this section, disorderly conduct is a minor misdemeanor.
(3) Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if any of the following applies:
(a) The offender persists in disorderly conduct after reasonable warning or request to desist.
Full Breakdown
While Columbus City Code 2329.18 limits amplified sound, that ordinance does not apply outside city limits. In unincorporated areas, deputies use the reasonable-person standard under ORC 2917.11. Outdoor events with amplification near residential property typically draw complaints after 10 PM. Large gatherings may also trigger township mass-gathering permit rules.
Violations & Fines
Disorderly conduct (minor misdemeanor): fine up to 150 dollars. Persistent disorderly conduct after warning: M4 up to 250 dollars and 30 days jail.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.