Oregon, OH Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Codified Ordinances § 531.14
- R-1/R-2 nighttime limit
- 55 dbA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- R-1/R-2 daytime limit
- 60 dbA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- M-2/C-1 limit
- 75 dbA anytime
- Standby equipment exemption cap
- 75 dbA at property line
- Penalty
- Minor misdemeanor, § 531.99
Summary
In the City of Oregon, Ohio, fixed machinery and equipment are capped by decibel table under Codified Ordinances Section 531.14, measured at the property line of the affected property. Limits step up from 55 dbA overnight in R-1/R-2 residential zones to 75 dbA anytime in the M-2 and C-1 industrial-commercial zones.
531.14 FIXED SOURCE NOISE LEVELS. ... (a) No person shall operate any fixed machinery or equipment, or similar mechanical device in any manner so as to create any noise which would cause the noise level measured at the property line of the property affected by the noise emission, to exceed the applicable fixed noise level in this section. Noise limits shall not exceed the following: Zoning District Time Period Sound Level dbA
R-1, R-2 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. 55 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 60 R-3, R-4, R-5 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. 60 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 65 C-1, C-2, C-3 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. 65 C-4, C-5 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 70 M-1, AMD anytime 70
M-2, C-1 anytime 75 ... (b) The provisions of subsection (a) hereof shall not be applicable to any emergency signaling devices required by law; nor to any standby equipment operated only in emergency situations, provided that such standby equipment shall not emit noise at a level in excess of 75 dbA when measured at the property line of the property whereon it is located.
Full Breakdown
in R-1 and R-2 districts; 60 dbA overnight and 65 dbA daytime in R-3, R-4 and R-5; 65 dbA overnight and 70 dbA daytime in C-1 through C-5; and a flat 70 dbA anytime in M-1/AMD districts and 75 dbA anytime in M-2/C-1 industrial areas. Zoning districts not listed follow the most closely related land use on the list. The current dBA table was re-adopted by Ordinance 089-2024, passed May 28, 2024, amending the original 1980 chapter. Subsection (b) exempts required emergency signaling devices and standby equipment used only in emergencies, though standby equipment still cannot exceed 75 dbA at the property line where it sits.
19, which lets the Mayor, the Chief of Police or the City's authorized representative grant relief up to one year on proof of unreasonable hardship, with conditions attached. 18 to inspect equipment suspected of violating the chapter, and can seek a search warrant if entry is refused.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 531.99, violating any provision of Chapter 531, including the Section 531.14 fixed-source limits, is a minor misdemeanor. Each day the excess noise continues is a separate, separately punishable offense, and citations are issued directly to the person, firm, corporation or individual present at the time of the alleged violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the residential noise limit at night in Oregon, Ohio?
Can a business get relief from the decibel table?
What happens if fixed equipment exceeds the limit repeatedly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oregon
Compare Oregon to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lucas County handle decibel limits.