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Tulsa, OK
Noise Ordinance Overview

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Official Decibel Limits

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Residential Day
100dB
Residential Night
100dB

"Decibel limits are not universally defined in the ordinance for all categories. Regulations often focus on audibility at a distance or 'unreasonable disturbance.' Amplified sound for special events has a guideline of 90 dB at 15 feet. HVAC systems in residential areas may have limits of 55-65 dB during evening/nighttime hours."

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AI Executive Summary

Gemini AI

Tulsa, OK's noise ordinance, found in Title 27, Chapter 14 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances, prohibits noise that is unreasonably loud or disturbing to public peace. It covers amplified sound, construction, vehicles, and animals, establishing general quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM, with specific restrictions for construction. Violations are typically misdemeanors subject to fines or imprisonment.

Specific Noise Restrictions

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Construction

Operating construction machinery or performing construction work is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.

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Amplified Sound

Playing radios, phonographs, or musical instruments at a volume that unreasonably disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of any person, especially between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited. Unreasonably loud noise (including music) is a violation at any time. For special events, sound levels should generally not exceed 90 decibels 15 feet from the source. Shouting, yelling, or using sound amplification near schools, churches, hospitals, or clinics during business hours is prohibited if 'Quiet Zone' signs are posted.

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Animals

Allowing habitual howling, yelping, or barking of any dog or animal by its owner, keeper, or possessor is prohibited. A dog barking repetitively for over ten minutes may constitute a nuisance.

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Vehicles

The sounding of a horn or signal device on any vehicle, except as a danger signal, is prohibited. The discharge of the exhaust of any internal combustion or motor vehicle, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent unreasonably loud or explosive noises therefrom, is prohibited.

Noise Protection Score

BGood

How well does Tulsa protect residents from noise?

Decibel Limits10/25

Qualitative standard

Quiet Hours20/25

Extensive coverage

Penalties20/25

Strong penalties with escalation

Coverage25/25

4 noise categories regulated

compare_arrowsCompare Another CityScore: 75/100 — Based on dB limits, quiet hours, penalties, and ordinance breadth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Tulsa, OK?

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Tulsa's quiet hours: 11PM-7AM (general); Construction: 10PM-7AM (weekdays), 10PM-9AM (Sundays). During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.

What are the noise decibel limits in Tulsa?

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Tulsa's residential noise limits: Not explicitly specified, based on 'unreasonably loud or disturbing' or 'plainly audible at 100 feet' dB(A) during the day and Not explicitly specified, based on 'unreasonably loud or disturbing' or 'plainly audible at 100 feet' dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.

How do I file a noise complaint in Tulsa?

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Call the Tulsa police non-emergency line at 918-596-9222. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 311. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Tulsa?

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Tulsa's noise violation penalties: Violations of the noise ordinance are typically misdemeanors subject to fines or imprisonment, as outlined in Title 27, 'Penal Code' of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.

What are the dog barking rules in Tulsa?

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Tulsa's rules: Allowing habitual howling, yelping, or barking of any dog or animal by its owner, keeper, or possessor is prohibited. A dog barking repetitively for over ten minutes may constitute a nuisance.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 918-596-8001 (Tulsa Animal Services Officers); 918-596-9222 (Police non-emergency for after-hours animal complaints) or the police non-emergency line.

When can construction work start in Tulsa?

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Tulsa's construction noise rules: Operating construction machinery or performing construction work is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.

Are there rules about loud music in Tulsa?

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Yes. Tulsa's ordinance: Playing radios, phonographs, or musical instruments at a volume that unreasonably disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of any person, especially between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited. Unreasonably loud noise (including music) is a violation at any time. For special events, sound levels should generally not exceed 90 decibels 15 feet from the source. Shouting, yelling, or using sound amplification near schools, churches, hospitals, or clinics during business hours is prohibited if 'Quiet Zone' signs are posted.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.

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