Saint Paul, MN Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Saint Paul regulates construction noise in Chapter 293 of the Legislative Code, Noise Regulations. The chapter does not list a start time or a stop time for construction. What the city enforces is a sound level.

The operative text is Section 293.07(c). Paragraph (1) says no person shall operate, or cause to be operated, construction or demolition equipment at any construction site in a manner that exceeds an L10 noise level of 85 dBA at a distance of 50 feet measured from the source. Section 293.01 defines construction as any site preparation, assembly, erection, substantial repair, alteration or similar action, excluding demolition, and defines demolition as the dismantling or intentional removal of structures, utilities, public or private right-of-way surfaces or similar property.

Paragraph (2) adds a second test for sites within or abutting residentially zoned property within Class II. There the equipment must observe the noise limits specified in paragraph (b) of the section. As the code is printed today, paragraph (b) reads "Reserved" and states no limits, so the text gives no figure for that case.

Night work runs into the general limits in Section 293.07(a). Table 1 measures sound where it is received. For Class I land, which covers the H1, H2, RM1 to RM3, RL, F1, CO and PD districts, the limit is 65 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 55 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Class II land is limited to 70 dBA at all times.

Homeowner projects fall under a separate rule. Section 293.06 bars operating any domestic power tool between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a distinctly and loudly audible manner that unreasonably disturbs people nearby, and treats sound plainly audible at the property line as prima facie evidence of a violation. Domestic power tools include powered saws, drills, sanders, grinders, lawn and garden tools, lawn mowers and powered snow removal equipment. Section 293.07(d)(4) exempts those tools from the sound limits when used between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Emergency work has its own exemption. Noise created exclusively in emergency work to preserve public health, safety or welfare, or to restore a public service or eliminate a public hazard, is exempt for 24 hours after the work has begun.

A contractor who cannot meet the limits can ask for a variance under Section 293.10. The application goes to the Department of Safety and Inspections and the City Council decides it after a public hearing held within 30 days of receipt. The department mails notice to property owners within 300 feet of the noise sources, and written comments or objections may be filed within 15 days of the notice. The council may attach conditions, including restricting the hours of operation of the noise source.