Noise Ordinances in Appleton, WI

If you live in Appleton or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Appleton has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Leaf Blower Rules

Appleton bans running power saws, drills, sanders, grinders, lawnmowers and lawn or garden tools, including leaf blowers, at night if the noise disturbs neighbors. Nighttime runs from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under the noise code's own definition. Snow removal equipment is the only device excused, and the Health Department and Police Department jointly enforce the rule.

Key details: Nighttime hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Equipment covered: Saws, drills, grinders, mowers, lawn/garden tools. Exempt equipment: Snow removal machines only. Enforcing agencies: Health Department and Police Department. First offense forfeiture: $1.00 to $200.00 plus costs.

A first violation of the noise article carries a forfeiture of $1.00 to $200.00 plus court costs, with jail time possible if unpaid, under the City's general penalty schedule, Section 1-16; a second violation of the same provision runs $10.00 to $500.00. Section 12-78 also lets the City pursue an injunction or nuisance abatement instead of, or in addition to, forfeiture.

Decibel Limits

Appleton caps sound at the property line using Table I of its noise code: 60 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime in residential zones, 70/55 dB(A) in commercial zones, and 75/70 dB(A) in industrial zones. Daytime runs 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; nighttime is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Key details: Residential limit: 60 dB(A) day, 50 dB(A) night. Commercial limit: 70 dB(A) day, 55 dB(A) night. Industrial limit: 75 dB(A) day, 70 dB(A) night. Daytime hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Nighttime hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m..

Exceeding a Table I limit is a noise disturbance under Section 12-80 and, per Section 12-78, carries the general forfeiture set by Section 1-16: $1.00 to $200.00 for a first offense and $10.00 to $500.00 for a repeat offense of the same provision, plus court costs, with jail time possible if a forfeiture goes unpaid. The City can also pursue injunction or nuisance abatement.

Vehicle Noise

Appleton adopts the state muffler law, bans revving, tire-squealing acceleration and gravel-throwing starts, and makes it unlawful to engage a jake brake's compression braking except in an extreme emergency. Violations under Section 12-80(g) through (i) can be cited under the noise article or the City's adopted state traffic code.

Key details: Muffler standard: Wis. Stat. § 347.39 adopted by reference. Banned driving acts: Revving, tire squeal, gravel throwing. Jake brake use: Unlawful except extreme emergency. Enforcing agency: Police Department. First offense forfeiture: $1.00 to $200.00 plus costs.

A muffler, revving or jake-brake violation is punished under Section 12-78's penalty for the noise article: forfeiture of $1.00 to $200.00 for a first offense and $10.00 to $500.00 for a repeat offense of the same provision, plus court costs under Section 1-16, and the muffler clause can additionally be cited under Section 19-1's adopted state traffic law.

Compared to other cities, Appleton takes a harder line on vehicle noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Barking Dogs

Appleton declares it a public nuisance to keep or harbor any animal or fowl whose frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking or crowing greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood, under City Code Sec. 12-30(10). A first violation forfeits $1 to $200 plus costs; the noise ordinance separately treats a continuously noisy pet as a noise disturbance.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 12-30(10), public nuisance. First offense forfeiture: $1 to $200 plus prosecution costs. Repeat offense forfeiture: $10 to $500 per offense. Alternate provision: Noise ordinance § 12-80(d) animal noise. Enforcement method: Municipal citation under § 1-17.

A citation issued under Sec. 1-17 lists the violator's name and address, the section violated, and a court date. First convictions forfeit $1 to $200 plus prosecution costs; repeat convictions for the same barking complaint forfeit $10 to $500 per offense, and unpaid forfeitures can mean jail time in the county jail.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Appleton prohibits operating a radio or similar electric sound amplification device so that it is audible 75 feet or more away, and separately limits ambient noise to 60 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime in residential zones under the city's general noise article. The Health Department and Police Department jointly enforce both rules citywide.

Key details: Amplification limit: Audible 75+ feet violates § 12-87. Residential decibel cap: 60 dB(A) day, 50 dB(A) night. Industrial decibel cap: 75 dB(A) day, 70 dB(A) night. Enforcing agencies: Health Department and Police Department. Event variance: Health Officer permit, filed 7 days ahead.

A first violation of the noise or amplification limits carries a forfeiture under Section 1-18's citation schedule, and Section 12-78 allows the city to pursue injunctive relief or nuisance abatement in addition to any fine, since amplified and disturbing noise is declared a public nuisance. Repeat violations of the same provision draw a forfeiture of $10 to $500 under Section 1-16's general penalty.

The Bottom Line

Appleton's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Appleton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Appleton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.