Neenah, WI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Neenah, 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
- Weekday cutoff
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Weekend/holiday cutoff
- 11 p.m.-10 a.m.
- Covers
- Loudspeakers, amps, PA systems
- Exempt
- Permitted public events
- First offense
- $10-$500 forfeiture
Summary
Neenah bans unreasonably loud, raucous use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, and public address systems in or near residential and noise-sensitive areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
(6)Loudspeakers, amplifiers, public address systems, and similar devices. The unreasonably loud and raucous use or operation of a loudspeaker, amplifier, public address system, or other device for producing or reproducing sound between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 11:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays in the following areas:a.Within or adjacent to residential or noise-sensitive areas;b.Within public space if the sound is plainly audible across the real property line of the public space from which the sound emanates, and is unreasonably loud and raucous.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
City of Neenah Municipal Code § 11-146(6) makes it a per se noise violation to unreasonably and raucously operate a loudspeaker, amplifier, public address system, or similar sound-producing device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays, within or adjacent to residential or noise-sensitive areas. The same clock also covers public spaces, where amplified sound plainly audible across the property line during those hours is barred if unreasonably loud and raucous. Permitted public performances, gatherings, or parades are exempt from the public-space restriction. The prohibition was adopted by Ord. No. 2019-14, §§ 3, 8 (6-19-2019).
Violations & Fines
First offense: forfeiture of $10 to $500 plus prosecution costs. Repeat violations: $25 to $1,000 plus costs, under the City's general penalty provision, § 1-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a PA system outdoors at night in Neenah?
Does a City permit change these hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Neenah
Compare Neenah to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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