Milwaukee regulates industrial noise through Chapter 80 of the Code of Ordinances and through zoning performance standards in Chapter 295, which cap industrial sound levels at receiving residential property lines.
Industrial and manufacturing uses in Milwaukee must comply with noise performance standards in the Zoning Code (Chapter 295) and general nuisance noise rules (Chapter 80). Sound levels measured at the nearest residential property line generally may not exceed 55 dBA at night and 65 dBA during the day for stationary industrial equipment. The Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services and the Milwaukee Health Department Environmental Health Division investigate industrial noise complaints. The Port of Milwaukee and Menomonee Valley industrial areas operate under separate harbor and industrial district rules.
Chapter 80 violations carry fines of $150 to $500 per offense. Repeated violations can trigger zoning enforcement action and nuisance abatement.
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See how Milwaukee's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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