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Oklahoma City noise ordinance: rules and who to call

Oklahoma City's noise rules are in Chapter 34 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code. The chapter bans two things in general terms: "excessive noise" and a "noise disturbance" (§ 34-3). A noise disturbance is a plainly audible sound that annoys or disturbs "a reasonable person of normal sensitivities," endangers someone's health or safety, or damages property (§ 34-2). The code defines plainly audible as a sound where the listener "clearly can hear the content," such as musical rhythms, spoken words or engine noise.

Music heard inside your home

Section 34-4(a)(6) is the rule most neighbors will use. It bans playing a radio, TV, musical instrument, speaker or similar device in a way that is "plainly audible within any dwelling unit which is not the source of the sound." The rule has no hours attached, so it applies day and night. On public property or a street, the test is whether the sound is plainly audible 50 feet or more from the device.

The same section lists other activities that violate the chapter when they produce a noise disturbance or excessive noise, including:

• Animals or birds that make "frequent or prolonged" noise (§ 34-4(a)(1))
• Shouting, carousing, singing or other "prolonged noisemaking" (§ 34-4(a)(7))
• Fireworks, horns and alarms except as warnings (§ 34-4(a)(5))
• Powered models or toys (§ 34-4(a)(9))

Decibel limits

Section 34-6 sets decibel limits for stationary sources of sound, such as air conditioners, pumps, fans and other machinery. The limits in Table I of § 34-12 for residential zoning districts are:

• 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 55 dBA (L90) and 65 dBA (L10)
• 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 50 dBA (L90) and 60 dBA (L10)

L90 is the level exceeded 90 percent of the time, and L10 the level exceeded 10 percent of the time, over a measurement period of 10 to 30 minutes. The reading is taken at the boundary of, or anywhere inside, the property receiving the sound. Impulsive sounds get limits 5 dBA lower (§ 34-6(a)(4)). Measurements must use a Type 2 or better sound level meter, calibrated before and after use (§ 34-6(b)). A phone app does not meet that standard.

Construction

Construction, demolition and repair work can't go over the Table I limits for the zone and time of day (§ 34-4(a)(2)). The exceptions are work with a construction noise permit under § 34-7.1, or work that falls under an exemption. Work in the Downtown Business District and along the OKC Streetcar route is exempt (§ 34-5(7) and (8)).

Exemptions

Section 34-5 lists exceptions. They include safety signals and sirens, events with a noise permit, disaster work and organized sports. Noncommercial public speaking and gatherings on public property are also exempt. Noise permits under § 34-7 can't run past 11 p.m. in a residential district. No more than three can be issued for the same home in a calendar year, except in urgent cases.

How to complain

The City's Action Center takes reports of non-emergency code violations. Its page lists a phone line, 405-297-2535, staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also report online, through the OKC mobile app, or by email to action.center@okc.gov. Or text 405-252-1053 with the address or nearest intersection and a description. For police or public safety emergencies, the page says to dial 911.

Penalties

A first violation of Chapter 34 is a Class "a" offense, and a second or later violation is a Class "b" offense (§ 34-10(a)). Under the general penalty section, § 1-6(c):

• Class "a": a fine of up to $500, not counting costs and fees
• Class "b": a fine of up to $1,200 plus costs and fees, up to six months in jail, or both

If the noise is continuous, each day counts as one offense. If it isn't, each separate violation counts, even on the same day (§ 34-10(b)). A continuing violation can also be stopped by court injunction as a public nuisance (§ 34-11).

Keeping a record

The main test for music is whether it can be heard inside your home. A written log of the date, time, what you heard and how long it lasted helps when you report it. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs incidents with the time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report or complaint letter. Phone readings are estimates, and the code's decibel limits call for a calibrated meter.

Sources

• Oklahoma City Municipal Code Chapter 34, Noise (Municode)
• OKC Code § 34-3, Prohibited generally
• OKC Code § 34-4, Specific prohibitions
• OKC Code § 34-6, Community sound level standards
• OKC Code § 34-10, Penalty
• OKC Code § 34-12, Table of sound level limits
• OKC Code § 1-6, Penalty for violations
• City of OKC: Action Center

Last checked October 17, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.