Eagan, MN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Eagan's measurable noise limits come from Minnesota state rules adopted by reference. City Code Section 10.42 (Noise pollution regulations) states that 'the noise pollution control section of the state regulations published by the state pollution control agency are hereby adopted by reference,' and that 'it is unlawful for any person to create or maintain levels of sound in excess of those permitted by the noise pollution standards.' The applicable state standard, Minn. R. 7030.0040, uses noise area classifications (NAC) based on the land use where the noise is heard, and sets two statistical limits: L10 (the level exceeded 10 percent of the time, or six minutes, in an hour) and L50 (exceeded 50 percent of the time, or 30 minutes). For residential areas (NAC-1) the limits are L10 = 65 dBA and L50 = 60 dBA during the daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and L10 = 55 dBA and L50 = 50 dBA during the nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Commercial areas (NAC-2) are held to 70/65 dBA day and night, and industrial areas (NAC-3) to 80/75 dBA. Importantly, the classification follows the receiver, so noise reaching a home is judged by the residential limits even if it comes from a commercial or industrial property. Measurements must follow the MPCA's A-weighting and fast-response procedures. Most day-to-day complaints, however, are still handled by police using the plainly-heard-at-50-feet disturbing-the-peace standard rather than formal metering.