Minnetonka, MN Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Construction noise in Minnetonka is governed by Section 850 of the city code, enforced under the authority of the Minnetonka City Council's ordinances. Item 1 of § 850.015 says a person must not engage in, permit, or allow construction or grading activities involving the use of power equipment, or other activities resulting in unreasonably loud or disturbing noise for a person of ordinary sensitivity, at any time other than between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The rule is written as a window, so it applies every day of the week the code prints no weekend exception, and it covers a property owner who permits or allows the work as well as the person running the equipment.

A second limit sits in item 10 of § 850.010: operating earthmoving or related construction equipment on residential property during more than 5 days within a 30 day period is a prohibited noise, except during construction or remodeling activity for which a building or grading permit has been obtained. A homeowner doing yard grading without a permit is therefore held to the 5 day limit, while permitted projects are not.

Section 850.020 exempts emergency work such as utility maintenance and snow removal necessary to restore public service or to eliminate a hazard, along with maintenance activities conducted or contracted for by the city of Minnetonka. A contractor who needs work outside the 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. window can ask for an administrative permit under § 850.025. The community development director can grant it only if the applicant demonstrates a compelling need and the permit will not materially affect public health, safety or general welfare, and only for the minimum time and number of days reasonably necessary. The permit holder must give written notice to properties in the potentially affected area no less than 14 calendar days before the activity begins. The applicant can appeal a denial to the city council in writing to the city clerk within 10 calendar days, and any other aggrieved party has the same 10 calendar days after service of the notice.