Noise Ordinances in Appleton, WI (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for Appleton, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Appleton Barking Dog Nuisance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code § 12-30(10)
The following acts, omissions, places, conditions and things are hereby declared to be public nuisances affecting peace and safety... ... (10) The keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl which by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or making of other noises greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons within the city.
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.
Appleton Nighttime Lawn Equipment Ban
Some RestrictionsAppleton, WI Municipal Code § 12-76; § 12-80(e)
Nighttime means the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., standard time or daylight savings time when in effect. ... No person shall operate or permit the operation of any mechanical power saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawnmower, snow removal equipment or any similar device, necessary for the maintenance of property, in a manner which creates a noise disturbance. Such devi...
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.
Appleton Amplified Sound Device Limits
Some RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code §§ 12-80(b), 12-87
Sec. 12-80. Disturbing noise generally and prohibited acts. ... (b) No person shall operate or cause to be operated on private or public property any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set in Table I. ... TABLE I Maximum Permissible Sound Pressure Level Daytime Nighttime Residential 60 dB(A) 50 dB(A) Commercial 70 dB(A) 55 dB(A) Industrial 75 dB...
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.
Appleton Noise Decibel Limits By Zone
Some RestrictionsAppleton, WI Municipal Code § 12-80(b); Table I
(b) No person shall operate or cause to be operated on private or public property any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set in Table I. ... TABLE I Maximum Permissible Sound Pressure Level Daytime Nighttime Residential 60 dB(A) 50 dB(A) Commercial 70 dB(A) 55 dB(A) Industrial 75 dB(A) 70 dB(A)
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.
Appleton Vehicle Muffler And Brake Noise
Significant RestrictionsAppleton, WI Municipal Code § 12-80(g)-(i)
(g) Unlawful muffler noise. The provisions of Wisconsin Statutes §347.39 (2023-24), and as amended from time to time, are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this section. Violations of this subsection can also be enforced as a violation of § 19-1, the adopted state traffic laws. (h) No operator shall accelerate a motor vehicle in such a manner as to create unnecessary noise, includi...
Looking for Outagamie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Appleton city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Outagamie County →