Roseville, MN Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Section 404.02(k) of the Roseville City Code sits in Chapter 404, Noise Control, under the heading Specific restrictions. It reaches three acts: placing an air conditioning unit, maintaining it and operating it. The test is the effect on neighbors. The unit must not unreasonably disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of persons using adjacent properties. The subsection prints no decibel limit, no quiet hours and no minimum distance, so the question in any dispute is whether the disturbance to the next-door property is unreasonable. Because placing is one of the listed acts, where a unit is set can create the problem before it ever runs.

Section 404.02(k) works alongside the general prohibition in Section 404.01, which bars any distinctly and loudly audible noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety or welfare of any person. That section states that the general prohibition is not limited by the specific restrictions in section 404.02.

Two other parts of the Code touch air conditioners. The yard encroachment list in Section 1011.05(g)(2) names chimneys, air conditioning units, fire escapes, uncovered stairs, ramps and necessary landings among the improvements that are not considered encroachments into required yards, provided they do not extend more than three feet into the required yard. Section 801.13(a) requires a permit, on forms provided by the city, for the installation of all new air conditioning systems to the public water system.

A person who needs relief from a Chapter 404 requirement applies to the city council for a variance under Section 404.05. The applicant provides a certified list of property owners within 500 feet, the council holds a hearing under chapter 107, and for good cause shown the council grants or denies the variance in its sole discretion and can attach reasonable conditions.