Saint Paul enforces zone-based decibel limits under Section 293.07. Residential: 65/55 dBA day/night. Commercial: 70 dBA. Industrial: 80 dBA. All measured as one-hour averages.
Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 293.07 establishes noise limits based on land use classification. Residential and mixed-use areas (H1, H2, RM1-RM3, RL, F1, CO, PD zoning districts) are limited to 65 dBA averaged over one hour during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 55 dBA during nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial and transit districts (T1-T4, OS, BC, B1, B2, F2-F6, VP) allow 70 dBA at all times. Industrial areas (B3-B5, IT-I3) allow 80 dBA at all times. For reference, 65 dBA is equivalent to normal conversation, while 80 dBA approximates a passing semi truck. Construction and demolition equipment has a separate limit of 85 dBA at 50 feet from the source. Minnesota state standards under MPCA Rules Chapter 7030 set residential limits at 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night, which may apply in addition to local limits. The Department of Safety and Inspections conducts noise level readings for enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Saint Paul's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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