Youngstown, OH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Youngstown, 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
- Prohibited conduct
- Playing music/radio audible outside the room or disturbing neighbors
- 1st offense fine
- Mandatory minimum $100
- 2nd offense fine
- Mandatory minimum $200, 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- 3rd+ offense
- Mandatory minimum $300 plus 3 days jail
- Permit exception
- Organized events permitted under §§ 311.02, 725.02
- Enforcing agency
- Youngstown Police Department
Summary
In the City of Youngstown, Ohio, playing a radio, boom box, disc player, television, or musical instrument at a volume that disturbs neighbors' quiet or comfort, or that is plainly audible outside the room where it is played, is prohibited. Youngstown Codified Ordinances § 539.07(a) sets escalating mandatory fines starting at $100 for a first offense.
539.07 PLAYING OF LOUD SOUND DEVICES PROHIBITED. (a) General Prohibition. (1) No person shall play any radio, music player such as a "boom box", tape cassette, disc player or television, audio system or musical instrument or any other type of sound service upon any public road, street, highway, or private property in the City in a manner or at a volume as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons. An exception is made for organized events which have received a valid permit from the City as set forth in Section 311.02, Section 725.02 and any other applicable section. ... (3) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense. For any subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition, the Court shall impose the following minimum penalties: 1st offense: a mandatory minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00); 2nd offense: a mandatory minimum fine of two hundred dollars ($200.00); 3rd offense & thereafter: a mandatory minimum fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) and three (3) days in jail.
Full Breakdown
Youngstown Codified Ordinances § 539.07(a)(1)-(2) bars playing a radio, boom box, tape cassette, disc player, television, audio system, musical instrument, or any other sound device on a public road, street, highway, or private property at a volume that disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of other persons or neighboring inhabitants, or that is plainly audible to anyone outside the room where the device is played who has not voluntarily chosen to listen. An exception exists for organized events holding a valid City permit under §§ 311.02 and 725.02.
Section 539.07(a)(3) sets escalating mandatory minimum fines: a first offense is a minor misdemeanor carrying a mandatory minimum $100 fine; a second offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree with a mandatory minimum $200 fine; a third or later offense carries a mandatory minimum $300 fine plus three days in jail. Section 539.07(a)(4) makes the offending sound device itself subject to seizure and forfeiture upon conviction. This general prohibition is distinct from the vehicle-specific rule in § 539.07(b), which separately targets excessive vehicular sound amplification systems with its own, harsher penalty schedule reaching a first-degree misdemeanor and up to $1,000 fines.
Enforcement runs through the Youngstown Police Department, and Chapter 539 traces to Ordinance 80-555, passed June 25, 1980, with § 539.07 amended by later ordinance to add the escalating fine structure.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of § 539.07(a) is a minor misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of $100. A second offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree with a mandatory minimum $200 fine, and a third or later offense carries a mandatory minimum $300 fine plus three days in jail. The sound device used in the offense is subject to seizure and payment of a judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music loud enough for neighbors to hear in Youngstown?
What is the fine for a first noise complaint about loud music?
Is there an exception for concerts or block parties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Youngstown
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