Newark, OH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Two paragraphs of Section 634.04 of the Newark Code of Ordinances govern amplified sound in the City of Newark, Ohio. Paragraph (9) covers any radio, television, phonograph, drum or other musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound. Subparagraph A prohibits operating or playing one between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary. The line is drawn at the boundary: sound that annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivities on the neighboring lot counts, whether it comes from a backyard speaker, a porch instrument or a party.

Subparagraph B applies at any hour to sound from a device operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space. If it creates a noise disturbance at fifty feet (fifteen meters) from the device, it is a violation, so a car stereo can be cited on a street in the middle of the afternoon.

Paragraph (10) deals with loudspeakers and public address systems. Under subparagraph A, noncommercial use between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day is barred when the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, and mobile sound vehicles amplifying noncommercial spoken language in those hours are exempt only with a special variance from the Director of Public Safety. Subparagraph B covers commercial loudspeakers and public address systems, which cannot create a noise disturbance on a public right of way or public space between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.

Venues have a separate paragraph, (2), with later Friday and Saturday hours. Section 634.06(a) exempts organized school-related programs, municipal-authorized parades and municipal-sanctioned concerts in public parks. The Table 1 limits in Section 634.05 also apply: 60 dBA by day and 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. at residential receiving property.