Dayton, OH Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Dayton, OH?
| Regulation | Details for Dayton, OH |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 937-333-2677 |
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (for lower decibel limits in residential zones and general audibility rules); 12:00 AM - 7:00 AM (for human voices, yelling, or shouting)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Dayton, OH Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Dayton, OH?
Dayton, OH noise ordinances, primarily found in Municipal Code Chapter 94, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise disturbing others. Key provisions include a 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. restriction on yelling/shouting and decibel limits for stationary noise devices in residential zones: 55 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 61 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Certain noises audible 50 feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. are also violations.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 61 dB(A) (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM) | 55 dB(A) (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Decibel limits for stationary noise devices or any other source apply to areas zoned residential, office-residential, and university. All noise measurements are made on the property line where the noise originates. A noise made between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that can be heard 50 feet away from the property line is a violation.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building is generally prohibited between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, unless an emergency permit is granted by the building inspector.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful to cause loud, raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds from musical instruments or sound amplifiers. Sound amplifying equipment on sound trucks and from aircraft is prohibited. Sound from motor vehicle sound systems or portable audio systems is prohibited if clearly heard at 25 feet or more from the vehicle. Radios, phonographs, loudspeakers, or sound amplifiers for commercial advertising are prohibited between midnight and 7:00 AM, or at any time/place that disturbs others.
- Animals:
Unlawful to knowingly cause, make, or allow unreasonable noise from animals that disturbs another. No person shall keep any animal which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb one or more inhabitants of two separate residences in the vicinity; this is declared a public nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Horns or signaling devices should only be used as danger warnings and not for unnecessary or unreasonable periods. Motor vehicles out of repair or operated to create loud and unnecessary noise are prohibited. Sound from motor vehicle sound systems audible at 25 feet or more is prohibited. Ohio Revised Code also sets statewide maximum noise limits for passenger cars (70 dB at <=35 mph, 79 dB at >35 mph) and motorcycles (82 dB at <=35 mph, 86 dB at >35 mph) on streets and highways under county and township jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton, OH Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Dayton, OH?
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (for lower decibel limits in residential zones and general audibility rules); 12:00 AM - 7:00 AM (for human voices, yelling, or shouting). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Dayton, OH?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 61 dB(A) (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM) during the day and 55 dB(A) (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Dayton, OH?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Dayton, OH police non-emergency line at 937-333-2677. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Not specified (noise complaints typically handled by non-emergency police).