Appleton, WI Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Section 12-80(e) of the Appleton Municipal Code prohibits operating any mechanical power saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawnmower or similar property-maintenance device in a manner that creates a noise disturbance, and separately bars all such equipment except snow removal machines from running at all after dark. , standard or daylight time, so a leaf blower, hedge trimmer or gas mower crossing that line is a violation regardless of how loud it registers. Older equipment kept in good repair that would not meet current standards if bought new is exempt so long as it is used reasonably for property maintenance, so the ordinance targets timing and disturbance, not the tool's age.

The Health Department or Police Department administers and enforces the noise article under Section 12-77, and Section 12-78 declares any prohibited noise a public nuisance subject to abatement by injunction or other legal action in addition to forfeiture. Anyone who needs to run equipment outside these hours, for a festival, contractor deadline or similar event, can apply to the Health Officer under Section 12-83 for a special variance permit; the written application must state the grounds and proposed timeline, and the permit does not take effect until the applicant agrees to every condition attached.

A denied applicant may appeal in writing to the Board of Health. Construction, demolition, public utility and public works projects are exempt from the daytime Table I ceiling but must still minimize noise, and stationary equipment running more than ten days in a residential district must use noise-reduction strategies.