10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Waukesha County sets no countywide quiet-hours ordinance; your city, village or town does. In unincorporated towns the county nuisance and Wisconsin disorderly-conduct law apply. As an example, the City of Waukesha treats unreasonably disturbing noise as a public nuisance, effectively 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)
Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Waukesha County has no countywide construction-hours ordinance. Permitted-hour limits on hammering, power tools and heavy equipment are set by your city, village or town. In unincorporated towns, construction noise is handled through the general nuisance standard and state disorderly-conduct law.
Persistent barking is handled as a noise nuisance by your city, village or town, not by a countywide decibel rule. Waukesha County administers dog licensing and dangerous-dog law under Wis. Stat. Ch. 174, and habitual barking that disturbs neighbors can be cited as a public nuisance.
Waukesha County sets no leaf-blower noise ordinance. Any time-of-day or noise limits on gas or electric blowers come from your city, village or town's nuisance rules. Unreasonably loud early or late blowing can be cited as a public nuisance or disorderly conduct.
No countywide amplified-sound ordinance exists. Loudspeakers, stereos and live PA systems are regulated by your city, village or town, usually as a public nuisance. Amplified noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace can also be charged as disorderly conduct under Wis. Stat. 947.01.
Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)
Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA, not by Waukesha County or Wisconsin. The county cannot set flight-path or overflight noise limits. Concerns about Waukesha County Airport (Crites Field) operations go to airport management and the FAA.
Industrial and commercial noise is controlled through zoning and nuisance rules set by your city, village or town. In consenting unincorporated towns, Waukesha County zoning (Wis. Stat. 59.69) applies performance standards, but the county code has no standalone noise chapter.
Waukesha County sets no decibel limit, and Wisconsin has no statewide dB standard. Noise is judged by a 'reasonableness' nuisance test set by your city, village or town. Any numeric dB cap, if it exists, comes from your municipality.
Backyard bands, patio speakers and outdoor events are regulated by your city, village or town, not the county. Waukesha County has no noise chapter. Outdoor music that unreasonably disturbs neighbors is a public nuisance and may need a local amplified-sound or event permit.
Loud vehicles are governed by Wisconsin state law, not a county ordinance. Wis. Stat. 347.39 requires an adequate muffler that prevents excessive or unusual noise and bans exhaust modifications that amplify sound. County sheriff and municipal police enforce it on all roads.
Wis. Stat. 347.39(1)
No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle subject to registration unless such motor vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke.
3 cities in Waukesha County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Waukesha County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Waukesha County Ordinance Hub →