Racine County, WI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- No objectionable noise off-site
- Measure
- Qualitative, not decibel-based
- Applies to
- All permitted zoning-district uses
- Scope
- Towns adopting county zoning only
- Penalty
- $20-$1,000 forfeiture per day
Summary
Racine County's zoning code requires that noise from any permitted use be muffled or controlled so it doesn't become objectionable in duration, pitch, or impulse character beyond the property line.
This chapter permits specific uses in specific districts; and these performance standards are designed to limit, restrict, and prohibit the effects of those uses outside their premises or district...All noise shall be so muffled or otherwise controlled as not to become objectionable due to intermittance, duration, beat frequency, impulse character, periodic character or shrillness.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 20's performance standards apply to every use the zoning code permits, including commercial and industrial operations sited in the county's business and industrial districts. Section 20-1063 sets the noise standard: all noise must be muffled or otherwise controlled so it does not become objectionable because of intermittence, duration, beat frequency, impulse character, periodic character, or shrillness. There's no decibel meter or numeric limit, the standard is qualitative, judged against whether the noise reaches an objectionable level outside the premises or zoning district where it originates. It applies in the unincorporated towns that have adopted the county's general zoning ordinance under Wis. Stat. § 59.69, not inside the City of Racine or the county's incorporated villages.
Violations & Fines
Violating the chapter 20 noise performance standard draws a forfeiture of $20 to $1,000 plus prosecution costs per offense, with each day of ongoing noise a separate violation, enforced by the zoning administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for industrial noise in Racine County's zoning code?
Does the county noise standard cover businesses inside city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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