Waukegan, IL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Max noise after screening
- 75 decibels at property line
- Allowed location
- Interior side or rear yard only
- Screening height
- 1.5 ft taller than generator
- Permit required
- Building permit (Table 9.03-1)
Summary
Waukegan caps standby generator noise at 75 decibels measured at the property line after screening, and requires the unit sit in the interior side or rear yard behind screening 1.5 feet taller than the generator, under UDO Section 9.03.C.16.
16.Electrical Generator.a.Location. Electrical generators may be located in the interior side and rear yard only.b.Screening. Electrical generators must be screened with dense plants or sound attenuating fencing. The height of the screening must be 1.5 feet higher than the top of the generator.c.Environmental performance standards. The maximum noise generated after screening is installed may not exceed 75 decibels measured from the property line of the zoning lot on which the generator is installed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 113).
Full Breakdown
16 regulates electrical generators as an accessory use. Location standards confine generators to the interior side and rear yard only, meaning a generator cannot be installed in a front yard or corner side yard. 5 feet higher than the top of the generator itself, a taller-than-typical buffer aimed specifically at noise and visual impact. The environmental performance standard in subsection c sets the actual noise ceiling: the maximum noise generated after screening is installed may not exceed 75 decibels, measured from the property line of the zoning lot on which the generator is installed.
03-1 requires a building permit ("BP") for generators in the R1 through R5, R/LI, and L1 through L3 districts, so compliance with the location, screening height, and 75-decibel cap is checked before the City issues that permit rather than only after a noise complaint. 16.
Violations & Fines
A generator installed in a front or corner side yard, without screening 1.5 feet taller than the unit, or measured louder than 75 decibels at the property line after screening violates Section 9.03.C.16 and can be denied a building permit or cited through code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukegan
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