Green Bay, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Decibel trigger
- Exceeds 80 dB(A), A-weighted
- Measured from
- Property not under noise-maker's control
- Daytime hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Special permit lead time
- 30 days before the event
- Appeal window
- 15 days to Protection and Policy Committee
- Maximum forfeiture
- $200.00 per violation
Summary
Green Bay bars "unreasonably loud noise" citywide, and Municipal Code § 24-146(b)(1) lets a court find noise unreasonable on the strength of one number alone: exceeding 80 dB(A) measured from any property the noise-maker doesn't control. Time of day, land use and duration are the other factors a court weighs, and violations forfeit up to $200.
(b)Unreasonably loud noise. No person shall produce unreasonably loud noise. A court shall consider any relevant factors to determine whether any noise is unreasonable, including, but not limited to, the following:(1)Decibels. A court may determine any noise is unreasonable solely because it exceeds 80 dB(A) using an A-weighted sound pressure level instrument when measured from any property not under control of the person producing the noise.(2)Time of day. Certain noise that is reasonable during daytime hours may be unreasonably loud during nighttime hours.(3)Land use. Certain noise that is unreasonably loud in residential areas may be reasonable in mixed-use, commercial or industrial areas.(4)Duration of noise. Certain loud noise may be reasonable for a short time, but may be unreasonable if the noise persists over a long time.
Full Breakdown
Section 24-146(b) sets the core prohibition: no person may produce unreasonably loud noise, and a court considers relevant factors without being limited to them. The decibel factor in (b)(1) is a standalone trigger: a court "may determine any noise is unreasonable solely because it exceeds 80 dB(A)" using an A-weighted sound pressure level instrument, measured from any property not under the noise-maker's control. under § 24-146(a)) can be unreasonable at night; noise tolerated in mixed-use, commercial or industrial areas can be unreasonable in residential ones; and short bursts of loud noise are judged more leniently than noise that persists.
Specific violations are also called out in § 24-146(c): blowing a locomotive whistle except in imminent danger, and blowing a moored vessel's whistle. Anyone who wants to exceed the ordinary limits for an event can apply for a special permit through the Police Department at least 30 days ahead under § 24-146(e)(1); the Chief of Police approves it if the noise won't substantively harm public health, safety and welfare, and a denial or condition can be appealed to the Protection and Policy Committee within 15 days under § 24-146(e)(3).
Violations & Fines
Violating the unreasonable-noise standard or a specific noise prohibition in subsections (b) or (c) draws a forfeiture of not more than $200.00 under § 24-146(f). A special permit issued under (e) can be revoked immediately by the Police Department if the permittee breaks any condition placed on it, exposing the holder to the same forfeiture for further violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any noise over 80 decibels automatically illegal in Green Bay?
Where does the city measure the decibel level from?
Can I get a permit to run loud equipment or music above the normal limits?
What's the fine for a noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle decibel limits.