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Noise Ordinances

How Racine Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Racine maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Racine falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Barking Dogs

Racine considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.

Key details: Threshold: Continuous/excessive. Agency: Racine Animal Control. First Step: Warning letter. State Law: WI Stat. §174 / §947.01.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Amplified Music & Events

Racine regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.

Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: WI Stat. §947.01. Topic: Amplified Music.

Noise violation: $100 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disorderly conduct: Class B misdemeanor up to $1,000.

Quiet Hours

Racine enforces quiet hours in this Lake Michigan manufacturing city (pop. 78,000). Home to SC Johnson headquarters, the city manages noise from industry, the harbor, and lakefront festivals.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Population: ~78,000. SC Johnson: Headquarters city. Harbor: Lake Michigan.

First offense: $100 to $500. Repeat: up to $1,000. Disorderly conduct: Class B misdemeanor up to $1,000 and/or 90 days.

The Bottom Line

Racine'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 Racine is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Racine's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.