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Middletown, OH Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

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

Construction hours in Middletown, OH, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.

Key Facts

Exempt hours
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Outside exempt hours
General decibel limits apply
Covered equipment
Power tools, landscaping, construction
Penalty
Misdemeanor, fourth degree
Source
Ord. O2021-91, 11-2-2021

Summary

In the City of Middletown, Ohio, power tools, landscaping and yard equipment, and construction equipment are exempt from the property-line noise limits only when run between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Outside that window the general decibel limits of § 648.11 apply.

(d) The following uses and activities shall be exempt from the noise level regulation set forth herein: ... (6) Power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance equipment, and construction equipment being operated between the consecutive hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in any 24-hour period. ... (e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of generating unreasonable noise on private property, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

View official code

Full Breakdown

11, Middletown's private-property noise ordinance, lists exemptions from its numeric decibel limits in division (d). 11(d)(6)). 11(c)(1)-(2)). 11(d)(1)-(4)). 11 by Ord. 11(c) against noise that disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.

Violations & Fines

Operating construction, landscaping or power equipment outside 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at a volume exceeding the applicable decibel threshold is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree under § 648.11(e), enforced against the person operating or controlling the equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours can construction equipment run in Middletown, Ohio?
Section 648.11(d)(6) exempts power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance equipment, and construction equipment from the City's decibel limits only when operated between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in any 24-hour period.
Is there a decibel limit if construction runs past 10 p.m.?
Yes. Once the 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. exemption window closes, construction noise is measured against the same limits as any other private-property noise: no more than 50 dB(A) beyond the property line overnight.
Is emergency public-works construction exempt at any hour?
Yes. Section 648.11(d)(4) separately exempts noise from public improvement project construction with the prior consent of the City Manager, regardless of the time of day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Middletown

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Middletown rules

How Middletown compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Middletown to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview

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