Madison, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential receiving-zone cap
- 65 dBA from any source
- Mixed-use receiving-zone cap
- 65-70 dBA depending on source
- Industrial receiving-zone cap
- Up to 75 dBA
- Impulse noise reduction
- 5 dBA lower than the base limit
- First-offense forfeiture
- $25-$100 per offense
Summary
Madison caps stationary noise at 65, 70, or 75 dBA depending on the receiving property's zoning district, under MGO § 24.08(6)(a). Residential and conservancy districts get the strictest 65 dBA ceiling regardless of where the noise originates.
(a)General Limitations: Effective upon the enactment of this ordinance, in the following zoning districts (as set forth in Chapter 28, Madison General Ordinances) the sound emitted from any source of stationary noise shall not exceed the following limits at any point within a receiving zone which point is outside of the property line of the source of the stationary noise: Receiving Zone Classified / Source Level Zoned / Maximum dBA: Residential, Conservancy, Planned Mobile Home Park Districts / All zoning districts / 65 dBA.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 08(6)(a) sets maximum permissible sound levels measured at any point within a receiving zone, outside the property line of the noise source. Property in Residential, Conservancy, or Planned Mobile Home Park districts may not receive more than 65 dBA from any source zone. Mixed-use and commercial-type receiving districts (Limited Mixed-Use, Neighborhood Mixed-Use, Traditional Shopping Street, Suburban Employment Center, Employment Campus, Suburban Employment, Parks and Recreation, Urban Office Residential, Urban Mixed-Use, Campus Institutional, Planned Development) may receive up to 65 dBA from a residential-zoned source but up to 70 dBA from another mixed-use-zoned source.
Industrial and heavy-commercial receiving districts (Industrial-Limited, Industrial-General, Airport, Commercial Center, Commercial Corridor-Transitional, Traditional Employment, Agriculture, Urban Agricultural, Downtown Core) may receive 65 dBA from residential sources, 70 dBA from mixed-use sources, and up to 75 dBA from another industrial-zoned source. Impulse noises, explosions, drop-forge impacts, gunfire, get a stricter limit, 5 dBA lower than the applicable table value, under Sec. 08(6)(b). Measurements must be taken with an ANSI-compliant Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter by trained staff, at least four feet above ground, per Sec.
08(5). Property owners whose ambient noise already meets or exceeds the applicable limit can apply to the Board of Building Code, Fire Code, Conveyance Code and Licensing Appeals for a variance under Sec. 08(7).
Violations & Fines
A violation of the decibel limits in subsection (6) is subject to a forfeiture of $25-$100 for a first offense, $100-$300 if the person was convicted of a violation within the preceding twelve months, and $300-$500 for a second or subsequent violation in that period; each day of a continuing violation counts as a separate offense. The Building Inspection Division investigates complaints and can issue compliance orders and citations under Sec. 27.09.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madison's decibel limit for noise reaching a residential neighborhood?
Are industrial areas allowed louder noise than residential areas in Madison?
Can a Madison property owner get an exception to the noise decibel limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison 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.
Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle decibel limits.