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Milwaukee, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Daytime limit
Noise rating number 65
Nighttime limit
Noise rating number 55
Measured at
The lot line
Enforced by
Health Dept. commissioner
Repeat violation
Enhanced Class O penalty

Summary

Milwaukee caps noise from sources in Industrial Districts at a noise rating number of 65 by day and 55 by night, measured at the lot line under the city's excessive-noise ordinance.

80-64. Criteria to Determine Excessive Noise. 1. NOISE LIMITATIONS. The following noise limitations are established for any premises in the following zoning districts, as measured at the lot line: NOISE RATING NUMBER DISTRICT DAY NIGHT ... Other Commercial Districts 60 50 ... Industrial Districts 65 55 ... Planned Development adjacent to an IH or IM district 65 55

Source: City of MilwaukeeView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 80's noise-nuisance rules set a table of maximum "noise rating numbers" (NRN) by zoning district, measured at the property line. Industrial Districts get the highest ceiling in the table, NRN 65 in the daytime and 55 at night, well above the 55/45 residential limit and the 60/50 commercial limit. The health department commissioner enforces the standard; measurement follows a specified sound-level-meter and octave-band-analyzer method in s. 80-65, five NRN points are subtracted if the noise is a pure tone or impulsive, and the subject noise must exceed ambient sound by 5 dB in any octave band to count as excessive. A second or subsequent conviction for violating ss. 80-60 to 80-65 within three years draws enhanced Class O penalties under s. 61-21.

Violations & Fines

Producing or allowing noise above NRN 65 by day or 55 by night from an industrial-district premises, measured at the lot line, violates s. 80-63/80-64; a repeat conviction within three years carries enhanced Class O penalties under s. 61-21.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milwaukee's industrial noise limit?
A noise rating number of 65 during the day and 55 at night, measured at the lot line of the industrial-district premises, per Code of Ordinances s. 80-64.
How does Milwaukee measure industrial noise?
With a sound level meter and octave band analyzer under standardized specifications; pure-tone or impulsive noise gets a 5-point NRN deduction, per s. 80-65.
Is Milwaukee's industrial noise limit stricter than other districts?
No. Industrial Districts have the highest allowed noise rating number in the city's table, above residential (55/45) and most commercial districts (60/50).

Sources & Official References

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All Milwaukee rules

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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities

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