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Rochester, MN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Standard decibel cap: 85 dB at property line
Cannabis event cap: 80 dB at 50 feet
Alternative to decibel cap: Stop amplified sound by 10:30 p.m.
Meter standard: ANSI S1.4-1971, A-weighted
Background music exemption: 60 dB or less, before 10 p.m.

Summary

Special events in Rochester that use amplified sound may not exceed 85 decibels measured at the property line or venue boundary under City Code Sec. 8-11-6. Organizers can instead ask the city to swap that decibel cap for a hard cutoff time of 10:30 p.m., and temporary cannabis events face a stricter 80-decibel limit measured 50 feet out.

(a)The measurement of sound pressure levels shall be made with a Type I or Type II decibel meter, as defined by the American National Standards Institute Specifications, S1.4-1971, using the A-weighted, fast response scale. The decibel meter microphone shall be placed three to five feet above ground level and positioned so as not to create any unnatural enhancement or diminution of the measured sound pressure level.(b)Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no person shall exceed the maximum allowable sound pressure level. The maximum allowable sound pressure level is 85 decibels measured at the property line or venue boundary.(c)The city, in issuing the permit and in consideration of the criteria provided in section 8-11-5(a), may waive the maximum allowable sound pressure level provided in subsection (b) of this section and replace it with a restriction requiring the amplified sound to terminate no later than 10:30 p.m. on the day of each event covered by the permit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 8-11-6 sets the sound standard for any permitted special event. 4-1971, using the A-weighted, fast-response scale, with the microphone held three to five feet above the ground and positioned to avoid artificially raising or lowering the reading. Subsection (b) caps the maximum allowable sound pressure level at 85 decibels measured at the property line or venue boundary. m. Applicants choose which standard they want and must state their reasons in the permit application under Sec. 8-11-4(9). A tighter limit applies to temporary cannabis events under Sec. on weekends and holidays. Sec. m.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the 85-decibel cap, or running amplified sound past a 10:30 p.m. time-restricted permit, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 8-11-12 and can trigger suspension or revocation of the permit after a public hearing before the common council. A law enforcement officer may also order a special event stopped on the spot for violating a sound condition of its permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rochester's maximum decibel level for outdoor events?

Sec. 8-11-6(b) caps amplified sound at permitted special events at 85 decibels, measured at the property line or venue boundary with a Type I or Type II ANSI-standard decibel meter. Organizers can ask the city to substitute a 10:30 p.m. cutoff time for the decibel cap instead.

Are cannabis events held to a different noise limit?

Yes, a stricter one. Sec. 8-11-8(f)(1) caps amplified sound at temporary cannabis events at 80 decibels measured 50 feet from the property line or 50 feet from the source, whichever is more restrictive, and limits amplified music or speaking to four hours within set daytime and evening windows.

Is background music at an event exempt from the decibel limit?

Sec. 8-11-9 exempts background music, defined as subdued, unobtrusive music no louder than 60 decibels or the ambient street noise, played to create atmosphere, as long as it stops by 10:00 p.m. Louder amplified sound or music after that hour falls under the 85-decibel permit standard.

Sources & Official References

[1]Rochester, MN Code of Ordinances § 8-11-6

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