Amplified music rules in Waukesha County, WI — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
No countywide amplified-sound ordinance exists. Loudspeakers, stereos and live PA systems are regulated by your city, village or town, usually as a public nuisance. Amplified noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace can also be charged as disorderly conduct under Wis. Stat. 947.01.
The Waukesha County Code contains no noise or amplified-sound chapter, so loud music is a municipal matter. The City of Waukesha's Code 12.05 makes 'noise of any kind tending to unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of persons in the vicinity thereof' a public nuisance — language that reaches amplified music, parties and outdoor speakers. Many municipalities also require a permit for amplified sound at public events. In unincorporated towns, the county leaves amplified-noise limits to the town, with Wis. Stat. 947.01 disorderly conduct as the state backstop for unreasonably loud sound that provokes a disturbance.
Municipal nuisance forfeitures, set locally and often escalating. Amplified noise provoking a disturbance can be prosecuted as Wis. Stat. 947.01 disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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