Tulsa, OK Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Unlike many California cities, Tulsa relies primarily on a qualitative standard rather than a comprehensive decibel table for general residential and commercial noise. Title 27 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances prohibits noise that is unreasonably loud, disturbing, or that injures the peace, health, and safety of residents, and case law has supported the use of a plainly audible standard, where amplified sound that can be clearly heard inside a neighboring residence or beyond a defined distance such as 50 feet from the source during nighttime hours is treated as a violation. Daytime hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with a slightly later 11:00 p.m. cutoff on Friday and Saturday in many enforcement contexts. The Tulsa Zoning Code applies numeric sound performance standards at the boundary of industrial districts, with limits that vary by receiving district and time of day, and is the primary source of decibel-based regulation in the city. Construction noise is separately limited to daytime hours, and commercial outdoor music venues, especially in the Brady Arts District, Cherry Street, and Brookside, are subject to special event permitting that may include sound monitoring conditions. Tulsa Police carry sound level meters in some enforcement contexts but typically rely on the plainly audible standard for routine party, vehicle audio, and amplified music complaints. Violations can carry fines of up to several hundred dollars per occurrence, and repeat offenders may face escalating penalties. Residents seeking to host outdoor amplified events should apply for a special event permit through the City of Tulsa to avoid enforcement action.