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Noise Ordinances in Saint Paul, MN (2026)

5 verified noise ordinances for Saint Paul, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Barking Dogs

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 293.02(c) makes it a violation to own, keep or harbor any animal whose noise repeatedly annoys a neighbor: specifically, noise audible from outside the property that recurs over at least five minutes with no gap longer than one minute. It's a misdemeanor enforced by Saint Paul police and Animal Control.

Saint Paul Barking Dog Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 293.02(c) (Noise as a public nuisance — Animals)

(c)Animals. It is a violation of this section to own, keep, have in possession, or harbor any animal or animals which make any noise to the reasonable annoyance of another person or persons. The phrase "to the reasonable annoyance of another person or persons" includes, but is not limited to, the creation of any noise by any animal or animals which can be heard by any person, including the anim...

Leaf Blower Rules

Saint Paul bans loud leaf blowers, mowers and other domestic power tools between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Legislative Code defines domestic power tools to cover any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower or powered snow removal equipment used outdoors.

Saint Paul Leaf Blower and Lawn Tool Hours

Some Restrictions

Saint Paul Legislative Code Secs. 293.01(6), 293.06

(6)Domestic power tools. Any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower, or powered snow removal equipment, or other similar device commonly used outdoors, except for the manufacture, commercial repair or prolonged testing of such tools. ... No person shall operate any domestic power tool between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a distinctly and lo...

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Saint Paul requires an amplified sound permit before any event's amplified music or announcements may exceed the city's baseline noise limits. The Department of Safety and Inspections issues permits under Legislative Code § 293.09, capping residential events at 80 dBA and non-residential events at 90 dBA, both measured 50 feet from the speaker, with a $138 fee per event.

Saint Paul Amplified Sound Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 293.09 (Amplified Sound Permits)

(1)Permit fees. Fees for amplified sound permits are one hundred thirty-eight dollars ($138.00) for each event for which amplified sound which exceeds the levels defined in Table 1 is played or operated. To be considered one (1) permit, multi-day events shall be substantially similar.(2)Permit duration. amplified sound permits may only be issued to permit amplified sound which exceeds the level...

Decibel Limits

Saint Paul caps outdoor sound at 55-80 dBA depending on the receiving zone and time of day. Residential areas get the strictest cap -- 65 dBA by day, dropping to 55 dBA overnight -- while business and industrial land uses face a flat 70-80 dBA limit around the clock.

Saint Paul Outdoor Sound Level Limits by Zone

Some Restrictions

Saint Paul Legislative Code Sec. 293.07(a), Table 1

(a)No person shall operate or cause to be operated on any property or properties any source of noise or sound in such manner as to create a sound level outdoors which exceeds the limits set forth for the receiving land use classification in Table 1. Table 1. Sound Level Restrictions for Receiving Land Use Classifications As Determined by the Location of the Receiver -- Class I: H1, H2, RM1-RM3,...

Vehicle Noise

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 293.02(e)(2) bans playing a car stereo, radio or other amplified-sound device loud enough to be heard 50 feet from the vehicle on a public street, alley, or parking facility: liability falls on the owner if present, or whoever controls the vehicle if not. Muffler and exhaust noise are policed separately under § 293.05.

Saint Paul Vehicle Stereo Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 293.02(e)(2) (Noise as a public nuisance — Amplified sound from motor vehicles)

(2)Amplified sound from motor vehicles. It is a violation of this section to play, operate or permit the playing, use or operation of any radio, tape player, disc player, loud speaker or other electronic device used for the amplification of music or other entertainment, which is located within a motor vehicle on a public street or alley, or in a commercial or residential parking facility, which...

Looking for Ramsey County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Saint Paul city rules.

Noise Ordinances in Ramsey County