Dakota County, MN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Minn. R. 7030.0040 (MPCA)
- Residential day
- L50 60 / L10 65 dBA
- Residential night
- L50 50 / L10 55 dBA
- Daytime
- 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- County rule
- None; state limits apply
Summary
Dakota County uses Minnesota's statewide MPCA decibel standard (Minn. R. 7030). In residential areas the L50 limit is 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA at night, with L10 limits of 65 and 55 dBA. The county sets no separate decibel ordinance.
Residential (NAC-1): daytime L50 60 dBA, L10 65 dBA; nighttime L50 50 dBA, L10 55 dBA. Daytime is 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; nighttime is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
The governing decibel standard in Dakota County is Minnesota Rules Chapter 7030, set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For residential-use property (Noise Area Classification 1), the L50 (median) limit is 60 dBA during the daytime and 50 dBA at night, and the L10 limit is 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night. L50 is the level exceeded 50 percent of a one-hour survey; L10 is the level exceeded 10 percent. Daytime is 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and nighttime is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Dakota County does not publish its own decibel table; cities enforce these state limits.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Minn. R. 7030 are enforced by cities and the MPCA; measurement follows commissioner-approved procedures. Local penalties vary by city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal noise limit in Dakota County?
What do L50 and L10 mean?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
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