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Cleveland, OH Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

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

Quiet hours in Cleveland, OH, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Standard
Plainly audible / subjective
Decibel Limit
None for general noise
Quiet Zones
150 ft around hospitals, schools, churches
Fine
$75 minimum

Summary

Cleveland prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise under §605.10. No specific decibel limits for general noise: uses a 'plainly audible' standard. Music and audio devices must not be audible beyond the room they are played in.

(A) No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another by doing any of the following:

(1) Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;

(2) Making unreasonable noise or an offensively coarse utterance, gesture, or display or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person;

(3) Insulting, taunting, or challenging another, under circumstances in which that conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;

(4) Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway, or right-of-way, or to, from, within, or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;

(5) Creating a condition that is physically offensive to persons or that presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender.

(B) No person, while voluntarily intoxicated, shall do either of the following:

(1) In a public place or in the presence of two or more persons, engage in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to persons of ordinary sensibilities, which conduct the offender, if the offender were not intoxicated, should know is likely to have that effect on others;

(2) Engage in conduct or create a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the offender or another, or to the property of another.

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

Cleveland Codified Ordinances §605.10 prohibits noise of such character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to life and health or to unreasonably disturb quiet, comfort, or repose of neighbors. Chapter 683 specifically addresses sound devices: radios, TVs, and music must not be audible to persons outside the room. Playing audio on public rights-of-way requires a City permit. Zones of quiet (150 ft radius) are designated around hospitals, schools, courthouses, and churches.

Violations & Fines

Minor misdemeanor. Minimum $75 fine. Second violation within 12 hours of prior warning or charge may result in enhanced penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Cleveland?
Cleveland prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise under §605.10. No specific decibel limits for general noise: uses a 'plainly audible' standard. Music and audio devices must not be audible beyond the room they are played in.
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Cleveland?
Standard: Plainly audible / subjective. Decibel Limit: None for general noise. Quiet Zones: 150 ft around hospitals, schools, churches. Fine: $75 minimum.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cleveland

All Cleveland rules

How Cleveland compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Cleveland to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview

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