Burlington, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Manufacturing/quarrying districts
- 75 dBA, any time
- Business districts
- 70 dBA, any time
- Other districts, night
- 55 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Other districts, day
- 60 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Measured at
- nearest lot line of complainant
- Penalty
- $10-$200 forfeiture per day
Summary
Burlington caps stationary noise sources at 75 dBA in manufacturing and quarrying districts, 70 dBA in business districts, and 55-60 dBA in every other zoning district depending on the hour, under City Code Section 315-95, Table 1. Levels are measured at the nearest lot line of the property receiving complaints.
The maximum allowable hourly average sound level emitted from any stationary sound source shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table 1 when measured at the nearest lot line of premises from which sound complaints are received.
Table 1 Land Use Category Time One-Hour Average Sound Level (dBA) Manufacturing districts and quarrying/extractive districts Any time 75 Business districts Any time 70 All other zoning districts
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 55 60
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4997580; v29 updated 2026-07-07; through 07-07-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 315-95A(1) of Burlington's Zoning Code sets the maximum allowable hourly average sound level a stationary source can emit, measured at the nearest lot line of the premises from which a complaint is received. m. The average sound level, defined in Section 315-95A(2), is the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) computed under the ANSI standard method for combining sound-level-meter readings, not a single instantaneous peak. Ambient conditions are then corrected for under a Table 2 sliding scale: if the background noise is within 1 dBA of the source, three additional dBA are added to the limit; within 2 to 3 dBA, two are added; and within 4 to 9 dBA, one is added, but if the ambient level already exceeds the limit, the source may not push the total above that ambient level.
The ordinance exempts sounds already allowed elsewhere in the Code, such as under a conditional use permit or variance, and lets the Common Council approve a noncompliant industrial or business sound in its sole discretion if it is technically or economically infeasible to fix and doesn't threaten public safety.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 1 decibel limit is a Zoning Code violation enforced under Section 315-136: conviction carries a forfeiture of not less than $10 nor more than $200 plus prosecution costs, with each day the excess noise continues counted as a separate offense and up to 30 days in jail for nonpayment. Complaints are measured at the nearest lot line, so a source can be cited even if it complies at its own property's center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Burlington's nighttime noise limit in residential areas?
Are manufacturing districts held to the same noise limit as homes?
How does Burlington measure background noise when checking a complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burlington
Compare Burlington to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.