Winnebago County, WI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Winnebago County, WI, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ch. 23 § 23.8-345
- Covered uses
- Race tracks, motocross, sports arenas
- Noise control tool
- Restricted hours plus site design
- Applies only where
- Town board adopted the chapter
Summary
Winnebago County zoning treats outdoor entertainment venues like race tracks, motocross courses, and sports arenas as a distinct land use: the zoning reviewing authority can set hours of operation to curb the noise impact, and the site itself must be designed to minimize noise on neighboring properties.
23.8-345 Outdoor entertainment (a) Hours of operation. The reviewing authority may establish hours of operation for this use when the operation may negatively affect surrounding properties. (b) Site design considerations. The site shall be designed to minimize the effects of outdoor lighting and noise on surrounding properties.
Full Breakdown
Winnebago County Code § 23.8-345, in Chapter 23's Town/County Zoning use standards, covers 'outdoor entertainment', spectator-type venues the code defines to include race tracks, motocross courses, tractor-pulling events, and sports arenas. The reviewing authority may impose hours of operation on such a use when it could negatively affect surrounding properties, and the section separately requires the site to be designed to minimize noise effects on neighboring parcels. The identical standard applies to 'outdoor recreation' uses (miniature golf, water parks, amusement parks) under § 23.8-346. Both apply only in towns that have adopted this chapter by town board resolution, never inside Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, or Fox Crossing.
Violations & Fines
Winnebago County Code § 23.14-9 subjects any Chapter 23 violation, including ignored hours-of-operation conditions, to a forfeiture plus prosecution costs, with jail up to 6 months for nonpayment; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover a backyard concert or a bar's outdoor patio music?
Can the county set a curfew for an outdoor entertainment venue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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