Madison, WI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Madison, 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
- City-wide amplified sound hours
- Noon-1:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
- Downtown mall permit
- Required at 4 designated performance spaces
- Residential event permit fee
- $30 nonrefundable
- Residential event max duration
- 3 consecutive hours
- Residential event audibility limit
- Not audible past 400 feet
Summary
Madison confines amplified music and voice on city streets to two daily windows, noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., under MGO § 24.04(3)(a). Downtown State Street Mall performers need a separate Parks Division amplification permit tied to specific plazas and hours.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or other entity to use or operate, or cause to be used or operated in or upon any City public street, or from any aircraft, any device, apparatus or instrument for the amplification of the human voice or any sound or noise, or other sound-making or sound reproducing device except between the hours of 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in all areas of the City except for those areas listed in Sec. 24.04(3)(b) below, and, with the exception of sound of any nature produced incidental to:1.government functions; or2.religious services; or3.the operation of any authorized emergency vehicle; or4.the use of sound producing equipment authorized by ordinance or statute; or5.an event authorized by a street use permit, as controlled by Sec. 10.056, MGO; or6.an event authorized by a parade permit, as controlled by Sec. 12.87, MGO.
Full Breakdown
City-wide, Sec. , unless the sound is incidental to government functions, religious services, an authorized emergency vehicle, equipment authorized by ordinance or statute, or an event covered by a street use permit (Sec. 056) or parade permit (Sec. 87). Downtown, Sec. 04(3)(b) sets up a separate regime: amplification on the State Street Mall (the 100-800 blocks plus Elizabeth Link Peace Park) is unlawful anywhere without a permit, and even with a permit is restricted to four designated performance spaces, the Confluence at Library Mall, the Forum, Elizabeth Link Peace Park, and Concrete Park/Frances Plaza, each with its own daily time windows, generally clustered around midday and early evening.
Applications go through the Parks Division; the Park Commission sets the permit fee and an hourly electrical-use fee, applications may not be filed more than three weeks ahead, and only one advance reservation per applicant per week is allowed. Permittees must also stay within the sound-pressure limits of Sec. 08. Separately, residents throwing an amplified event on residential property can apply for a Private Noise Amplification Permit under Sec. m. m. Friday-Saturday, and a sound level that must not be plainly audible beyond 400 feet.
Violations & Fines
Violating the maximum permissible sound level under a private noise amplification permit is treated as a violation of Sec. 24.04(2), the general unreasonable-noise offense. Submitting a fraudulent petition or failing the 48-hour notification requirement each carries a forfeiture of $250-$500. Amplification without or outside a State Street Mall/downtown permit is a separate ordinance violation, and violating any permit condition is grounds for the Chief of Police to terminate the permit on the spot. Permit denials can be appealed under Sec. 9.49.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music on a Madison street any time of day?
Do street performers on State Street need a permit to use amplifiers?
How do I get a permit for an amplified backyard party in Madison?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.