Fargo, ND Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential daytime limit
- 55 dB(A)
- Residential overnight limit
- 50 dB(A)
- Industrial daytime limit
- 80 dB(A)
- Per-violation fee
- $120
- Governing provision
- Municode § 11-0204, Table 1
Summary
Fargo caps noise crossing from one property into another at set decibel levels by zoning district, with lower limits overnight. Municode Section 11-0204's Table 1 sets 55-80 dB(A) daytime and 50-75 dB(A) overnight, enforced with a per-violation fee.
It shall be unlawful to project a sound or noise excluding noise emanating from a moving motor vehicle from one property into another, within the boundary of a use district which exceeds the limiting noise criteria set forth in Table 1 below, except as permitted under section 11-0208 and 11-0209.
A.Sound or noise projecting from one use district, into another use district with a different noise level limit, shall not exceed the limits of the district into which the noise is projected.B.The permissible levels in decibels set forth in Table 1 shall be modified so that any noise occurring on property deemed to be nonconforming use property shall be determined upon the conforming zoning designation of the property. TABLE 1. LIMITING NOISE LEVELS FOR ZONING DISTRICTS
Zoning District Residential AG, SR-0, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3, SR-4, MR-1, MR-2, MR-3, MHP, NO, NC, DMU Commercial GO, LC, GC Industrial LI, GI Maximum number of decibels permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday 55 65 80 Maximum number of decibels permitted from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday evening through Friday morning and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday evening through Sunday morning 50 60 75
Full Breakdown
Fargo's noise ordinance (Section 11-0204) sets maximum sound levels that may cross from one property into another, keyed to the zoning district receiving the noise. Daytime limits (6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, extended hours Friday through Sunday) are 55 dB(A) in residential districts, 65 dB(A) in commercial districts, and 80 dB(A) in industrial districts. Overnight, each limit drops 5 decibels, to 50, 60, and 75 dB(A) respectively. Noise crossing into a stricter district must meet that district's lower limit, and mixed-use zones with a residential component are treated as residential.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the decibel limit is a noncriminal offense carrying a $120 fee under Section 1-0305(C)(8); each day of violation is a separate offense and the noise may also be abated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fargo's noise limit in residential zones?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota noise ordinances overview
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