Brown County, WI Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Brown County, WI, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- County Code
- Chapter 39 Noise Control (rev. 5-1-2002)
- Amplified Sound
- Audible 75 ft beyond lot line at night = violation
- Variance
- Apply to Health Director 30 days in advance
- City Coverage
- Green Bay/De Pere have own noise codes
- State Backstop
- Wis. Stat. §947.01 disorderly conduct
Summary
Brown County Code Chapter 39 (revised 5-1-2002) sets daytime and nighttime sound pressure limits for unincorporated areas. Nighttime amplified sound from commercial/industrial zones audible 75 feet beyond the lot line into a residential zone is prohibited.
39.01 REGULATION OF NOISE. (1) DEFINITIONS. (b) Daytime Hours. The hours between 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. (c) Nighttime Hours. The hours between 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. ... (2) LIMITATIONS. (a) Maximum Levels within Zones. No person shall operate or cause to be operated on private or public property any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set for the zone categories in Tables I and II. [Table I A-scale levels Daytime: Residential 57 dB(A); Commercial 63 dB(A); Industrial 72 dB(A). Table II A-scale levels Nighttime: Residential 52 dB(A); Commercial 58 dB(A); Industrial 67 dB(A).]
Full Breakdown
Chapter 39 establishes 'Maximum Permissible Sound Pressure' tables for daytime and nighttime hours by zoning district and applies to unincorporated towns under county zoning. The Brown County Board of Health may grant a conditional variance if it finds the variance promotes a public interest with minimal harm to public health, safety and welfare. Variance applications must be submitted in writing to the Health Director at least 30 days before sound-producing operations begin. Cities and villages (Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Howard, etc.) operate under their own municipal noise codes. De Pere Chapter 146 governs De Pere; Green Bay's Chapter 30 covers the city. Wis. Stat. §947.01 (disorderly conduct) is also available to law enforcement for unreasonably loud conduct that tends to provoke a disturbance.
Violations & Fines
County Chapter 39 violations are typically enforced by citation through the Brown County Sheriff's Office or Health Department. Disorderly conduct under Wis. Stat. §947.01 is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days jail and/or $1,000 fine).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brown County's noise ordinance apply inside the City of Green Bay?
Can I get a variance for an outdoor event with amplified sound?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
How Brown County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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