Appleton, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 12-80(b) of the Appleton Municipal Code makes it unlawful to operate or cause to be operated on private or public property any source of sound in a manner that creates a sound level exceeding the limits set in Table I. Table I sets residential ceilings of 60 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) at night, commercial ceilings of 70 dB(A) daytime and 55 dB(A) at night, and industrial ceilings of 75 dB(A) daytime and 70 dB(A) at night. , standard or daylight time. Measurements are taken under Section 12-79 at a point at least 25 feet beyond the property line where the noise originates or is heard, about four feet above the ground and at least three feet from a reflecting surface such as a wall, using an ANSI-compliant sound level meter set to the A-weighting scale in FAST response mode.

Residential areas are the zoning districts AG, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-3, P-I and NC; commercial areas are C-O, C-1, C-2 and the Central Business District; industrial areas are M-1 and M-2. Section 12-80(j) exempts construction sites, demolition sites, public utilities and public works projects from the daytime ceiling, though noise must still be minimized, and stationary construction equipment running more than ten days in a residential district must use noise-reduction strategies. The Health Department or Police Department administers and enforces Table I under Section 12-77.