Saint Paul, MN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Class I residential, day
- 65 dBA, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Class I residential, night
- 55 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Class II mixed/business
- 70 dBA, at all times
- Class III business/industrial
- 80 dBA, at all times
- Measurement method
- One-hour L10 dBA
Summary
Saint Paul caps outdoor sound at 55-80 dBA depending on the receiving zone and time of day. Residential areas get the strictest cap -- 65 dBA by day, dropping to 55 dBA overnight -- while business and industrial land uses face a flat 70-80 dBA limit around the clock.
(a)No person shall operate or cause to be operated on any property or properties any source of noise or sound in such manner as to create a sound level outdoors which exceeds the limits set forth for the receiving land use classification in Table 1. Table 1. Sound Level Restrictions for Receiving Land Use Classifications As Determined by the Location of the Receiver -- Class I: H1, H2, RM1-RM3, RL, F1, CO, PD; 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.: 65 dBA. Class I: same; 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.: 55 dBA. Class II: T1-T4, OS, BC, B1, B2, F2-F6, VP; At all times: 70 dBA. Class III: B3-5, IT-I3; At all times: 80 dBA.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
07(a) of the Legislative Code bars operating any source of noise or sound so that the outdoor sound level exceeds the limits set in Table 1 for the land use classification receiving the noise. Table 1 sorts the city into three noise classes. m. Class II -- traditional neighborhood (T1-T4), open space (OS), general business/commercial (BC, B1, B2), floodplain (F2-F6) and vehicular parking (VP) districts -- holds to 70 dBA at all times. Class III -- business districts B3 through B5 and industrial/traditional-industrial districts IT through I3 -- allows up to 80 dBA at all times.
Compliance is measured as a one-hour L10 dBA reading, meaning the level exceeded for no more than six minutes in any hour. 10; without one, exceeding the class limit is a violation. 08, while the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) administers permits and variances.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 1 limit for the receiving zone without a permit or variance is a misdemeanor under chapter 293: up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. DSI can also revoke or deny amplified-sound permits and variances for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit in a Saint Paul residential zone?
Does the decibel limit change near a business district?
Can I get a permit to exceed the Table 1 sound limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
Compare Saint Paul 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.