Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Middletown

Middletown, OH Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Nighttime limit
50 dB(A), 10pm-7am
Daytime limit
70 dB(A), 7am-10pm
Measured at
Property line of the source
Penalty
Misdemeanor, fourth degree
Effective
Ord. O2021-91, 11-2-2021

Summary

In the City of Middletown, Ohio, noise on private property that carries past the property line at more than 50 dB(A) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or more than 70 dB(A) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., is a prima facie violation of the unreasonable-noise ordinance.

§ 648.11 UNREASONABLE NOISE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. ... (a) This section shall apply to all noise and sound generated in the City not otherwise regulated by § 648.09. ... (c) No person shall make, generate, permit, or allow to be made any unreasonably loud and/or raucous noise or sound in such a manner or at such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of a person of ordinary sensibilities. It shall be a prima facie case that this section is being violated if any one or more of the following occur: (1) Between the consecutive hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in any 24-hour period, if the sound exceeds 50 dB(A) beyond the property line of the real property from which the source of the sound emanates. ... (2) Between the consecutive hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in any 24-hour period if the sound exceeds 70 dB(A) beyond the property line of the real property from which the source of the sound emanates.

View official code

Full Breakdown

09," the section covering amplified devices and instruments. It defines DECIBEL by ANSI A-weighted filter standard, expressed as dB(A). 11(c)). 11(c)(1)-(2)). Enforcing officers make a good-faith effort to determine the property line without a formal survey. 11(d)). The section was enacted by Ord. 09 alone for property-line noise disputes not tied to a specific amplifying device.

Violations & Fines

Generating unreasonable noise on private property in violation of § 648.11 is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, enforced by the Middletown Division of Police against the person responsible for or in control of the noise source.

Frequently Asked Questions

What decibel level is illegal at night in Middletown, Ohio?
Sound exceeding 50 dB(A) measured beyond the property line of the source between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a prima facie violation of Section 648.11's unreasonable-noise ordinance.
What is the daytime noise limit?
Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., sound exceeding 70 dB(A) beyond the source property's line is a prima facie violation under Section 648.11(c)(2).
Does the City survey my property line to enforce the noise limit?
No. Section 648.11(c) directs the enforcing officer to make only a good faith effort to determine the property line, without requiring a formal survey, before measuring sound levels.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Middletown

Construction HoursLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome 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

Compare Middletown to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Decibel Limits in Middletown, OH changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.