Plymouth, MN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Plymouth City Code § 2025.07, Subd. 1, Table I
- Residential limit, day
- 65 dBA (L10) / 60 dBA (L50)
- Residential limit, night
- 55 dBA (L10) / 50 dBA (L50)
- Commercial limit
- 70 dBA (L10) / 65 dBA (L50), day and night
- Industrial limit
- 80 dBA (L10) / 75 dBA (L50), day and night
- Measurement point
- Point of normal human activity in receiving district
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, maximum state fine (§2025.17)
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, Section 2025.07, Subd. 1 sets numeric decibel ceilings by receiving land use district and time of day in Table I. Residential areas may not exceed an L10 of 65 dBA / L50 of 60 dBA by day and 55/50 dBA at night; commercial areas cap at 70/65 dBA both day and night; industrial areas cap at 80/75 dBA both day and night, measured at a point of normal human activity in the receiving district.
Subd. 1.Maximum Noise Levels by Receiving Land Use Districts. No person shall operate or cause or permit to be operated any source of noise in such a manner as to create a noise level exceeding the limit set in Table I for the receiving land use category specified when measured at a point of normal human activity of the receiving land use. ... TABLE I. SOUND LEVELS BY RECEIVING LAND USE DISTRICTS Land Use Districts Day 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. Night 10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.
L10 L50 L10 L50 Residential 65 60 55 50 Commercial 70 65 70 65 Industrial 80 75 80 75
Full Breakdown
07, Subd. 1 of the Plymouth City Code caps noise not by a single blanket decibel figure but by the zoning district the sound is heard in and the time it is heard. ). Residential receiving districts are limited to 65 dBA L10 / 60 dBA L50 by day and drop to 55/50 dBA at night; commercial districts allow 70 dBA L10 / 65 dBA L50 around the clock; industrial districts allow 80 dBA L10 / 75 dBA L50 around the clock. 4 characteristics, and the limit is measured, per Subd.
1, at a point of normal human activity in the receiving land use, meaning the test point is where the noise is heard, not where it originates. Subdivision 2 exempts noise originating on public streets and alleys from these numeric limits, though such noise remains subject to the Section's other rules. 17, Subd. B to confirm a reading. 17, Subd. 3, punishable by the maximum fine Minnesota law allows for misdemeanor offenses.
Violations & Fines
A noise source that exceeds Table I's limits, 65/60 dBA day and 55/50 dBA night in residential districts, 70/65 dBA in commercial districts, or 80/75 dBA in industrial districts, measured at the receiving property, violates Section 2025.07, Subd. 1. The City Manager issues written notice under Section 2025.17 ordering correction, and a confirmed violation is a misdemeanor carrying the maximum fine Minnesota law sets for misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plymouth's residential noise limit at night?
What do L10 and L50 mean in Plymouth's noise ordinance?
Are street and traffic noises subject to Plymouth's decibel table?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
Compare Plymouth to another location·View the Minnesota 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 Hennepin County handle decibel limits.