Fargo, ND Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial daytime limit
- 65 dB(A) maximum
- Commercial nighttime limit
- 60 dB(A) maximum
- Fine
- $120 per violation
- Enforcement
- Fargo Police Department
- Governing law
- Municipal Code § 11-0204
Summary
Fargo caps sound crossing from a commercial-zoned bar or nightclub into a neighboring property at 65 decibels by day and 60 decibels overnight, with a stricter cap if the noise reaches a residential district.
It shall be unlawful to project a sound or noise excluding noise emanating from a moving motor vehicle from one property into another, within the boundary of a use district which exceeds the limiting noise criteria set forth in Table 1 below, except as permitted under section 11-0208 and 11-0209.
A.Sound or noise projecting from one use district, into another use district with a different noise level limit, shall not exceed the limits of the district into which the noise is projected.B.The permissible levels in decibels set forth in Table 1 shall be modified so that any noise occurring on property deemed to be nonconforming use property shall be determined upon the conforming zoning designation of the property. TABLE 1. LIMITING NOISE LEVELS FOR ZONING DISTRICTS
Zoning District Residential AG, SR-0, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3, SR-4, MR-1, MR-2, MR-3, MHP, NO, NC, DMU Commercial GO, LC, GC Industrial LI, GI Maximum number of decibels permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday 55 65 80 Maximum number of decibels permitted from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday evening through Friday morning and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday evening through Sunday morning 50 60 75
Full Breakdown
Under Fargo Municipal Code § 11-0204, sound projected from one property into another cannot exceed Table 1's zoning-based ceiling: 65 dB(A) in commercial districts during daytime hours (6 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, later on Fri/Sat) and 60 dB(A) overnight. If a bar's noise instead reaches a residential zoning district, the lower residential figures of 55 dB(A) day / 50 dB(A) night control. Section 11-0202 separately bans any noise that annoys, disturbs or endangers others' peace, so officers do not need a meter reading to write a citation.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 1 decibel limit or making unnecessary noise under § 11-0202 is a noncriminal offense carrying a $120 fee per § 1-0305(C)(8); each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fargo have a bar-specific noise ordinance?
What limit applies if the noise reaches nearby homes?
Can police cite a bar without measuring decibels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.