Saint Paul limits outdoor music to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime in residential areas. Amplified outdoor events need a $138 permit and must end by 10 PM Sun-Thu or 11 PM Fri-Sat.
Outdoor music in Saint Paul falls under Legislative Code Chapter 293 noise regulations. Non-amplified outdoor music must comply with standard zone-based decibel limits: 65 dBA in residential areas during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 55 dBA at night. Amplified outdoor music exceeding these limits requires an Amplified Sound Permit. Parks events require a separate Parks Amplified Sound Permit through Parks and Recreation at 1100 Hamline Avenue North. Noisy parties and musical instruments are specifically listed as prohibited noise sources under the unnecessary noise provisions. For recurring outdoor music venues or festivals, duration limits apply: maximum 12 hours per day, 24 hours per 7-day period, and 36 hours per 28-day period. Vehicle stereos playing music audible from 50 feet away may be cited with fines up to $500 on second offense.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Saint Paul's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
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