Fitchburg, WI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

An outdoor sound-amplification permit application must be filed with the city clerk on committee-approved forms giving the applicant's name and address, the dates and times requested, the type of equipment, the specific premises or area to be affected, and a sworn statement that the information is true (§ 74-123). The application must reach the clerk at least 30 days before the proposed use date and at least 15 days before the permit can be granted, though the clerk has discretion to accept a late filing if there is still time to complete public notice (§ 74-124).

Before any permit issues, the clerk must publish it on the city website with the applicant's name and address, the location of use, and the proposed date and time (§ 74-125). A nonrefundable fee set by the city fee schedule is due at filing (§ 74-126). The Public Safety and Human Services Committee must approve the permit by majority vote; if it denies one, it must notify the applicant in writing with its reasons (§ 74-129(a)-(b)). Permits are numbered in sequence, show the issuance date, fee paid and permittee's name, and are void outside their stated dates and after six months (§ 74-129(c)).

(§ 74-122(b)). An applicant denied a permit may appeal in writing to the common council within ten days, and the clerk must refer it to the next regular council meeting held no sooner than four days later (§ 74-130). A law enforcement officer may also issue an abatement order against any sound source violating the article, in addition to or instead of a citation (§ 74-131).