Fond du Lac County, WI Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 38-173(b)(5)
- Covers
- steam, stationary combustion, vehicle and boat engines
- Requirement
- muffler or device preventing loud/explosive noise
- Penalty range
- $10.00 to $500.00 forfeiture (§ 1-8)
- Applies
- unincorporated Fond du Lac County only
Summary
Fond du Lac County requires a stationary internal combustion engine, such as a portable generator, to exhaust through a muffler or similar device that prevents loud or explosive noise. County Code § 38-173(b)(5) bans discharging exhaust from a steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine into the open air except through such a muffler.
(b)Prohibitions. The following acts among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises and noises in violation of this section; but this enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive: ... (5)Unnecessary engine noise. To discharge into open air the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine, except through a muffler or other device that will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom. ... (c)Penalties. Each person found guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the provisions of section 1-8.
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' A homeowner or contractor running an unmuffled or poorly muffled backup generator, construction-site generator, or similar stationary engine at a rural property outside any city or village limit is squarely covered by the 'stationary internal combustion engine' language. The provision does not set a decibel limit; it instead requires the operator to use a muffler or equivalent device that actually prevents loud or explosive noise, which a deputy evaluates by listening to the engine in operation. This sits within the same Sec. 38-173 that opens by declaring any unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise detrimental to the public peace and welfare a violation, so an unmuffled generator running for an extended period near neighboring homes can also draw a citation under that general standard.
Enforcement runs through the Sheriff's Office using the county's Uniform Municipal Citation procedure at § 1-9, and every violation of § 38-173 is punishable under the Code's general penalty section, § 1-8.
Violations & Fines
A muffler violation under § 38-173(b)(5) is a forfeiture offense under § 1-8: not less than $10.00 and not more than $500.00 plus costs of prosecution. Failure to pay a citation deposit or appear in court can result in a summons to Circuit Court, and unpaid forfeitures and costs can lead to jail commitment capped at 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county regulate portable generator noise?
Is there a decibel limit for generators in unincorporated Fond du Lac County?
What is the penalty for running an unmuffled generator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fond du Lac County
Compare Fond du Lac County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise from specific sources overview
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