Minnetonka, MN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Minnetonka City Code § 850.010 lists the prohibited noises, and subdivision 2 covers radios, musical instruments, phonographs, stereos, and any other machine or device that reproduces sound. The base test is whether the sound is used or operated in a manner to unreasonably disturb the peace, quiet, or comfort of a reasonable person of ordinary sensitivity in its vicinity. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the code adds a presumption: operation is prima facie evidence of a violation when the sound is plainly audible at the real property boundary of the building, structure, residence, or other area where the device sits, or at a distance of 50 feet from a motor vehicle in which it is located.

Parks have their own rule in subdivision 12. A public address or sound amplification system in a public or private park needs a permit from the recreation services department, requested two weeks before the event, unless the system is necessary for the safe operation of the facility. Permits are issued only for special events such as high school athletic contests, horse ring or amphitheater events, or other circumstances the city finds appropriate.

Section 850.005 tells enforcers to weigh six factors: the time of day or night, the duration and whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant, the proximity to a sleeping facility or residential area, the land use and zoning, the number of people affected, and the sound peak pressure level compared with ambient noise if known. Parties are covered too: when a gathering creates unreasonably loud or disturbing noise, everyone except the owner, renter, lessee or other occupants must promptly leave the premises in an orderly manner.

Section 850.020 exempts burglar alarms that sound for no longer than 15 minutes, emergency work, and activity under a permit. Under § 850.025 the community development director can permit a non-complying activity when the applicant shows a compelling need, and the permit holder must give written notice to affected properties no less than 14 calendar days before the activity begins.