Quiet hours in Madison, WI — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Madison establishes quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under MGO Chapter 24 (Noise). Disturbing the peace during these hours is cited as a noise violation, and state law WI Stat 947.01 (disorderly conduct) may also apply for egregious cases.
Madison General Ordinances (MGO) Chapter 24 prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs persons of ordinary sensibilities. Between 10 PM and 7 AM, noise audible beyond the property line of its source is presumptively unreasonable. MGO 24.08 specifically addresses sound-amplifying devices in residential districts. During the day, noise standards are more permissive but still limited to reasonable levels. Multi-unit dwellings are subject to tighter standards since noise commonly travels between units. WI Stat 947.01 (disorderly conduct, Class B misdemeanor, up to 1,000 dollars fine and/or 90 days jail) can be charged for loud, boisterous, or otherwise disorderly conduct. Madison Police enforce noise complaints primarily at night; Building Inspection handles chronic commercial noise. University-area neighborhoods near UW-Madison (Langdon, Mifflin, Bassett) see heightened enforcement during the academic year.
First citation: 187 dollars typical forfeiture. Repeat violations escalate. Disorderly conduct charges under WI Stat 947.01 carry up to 1,000 dollars and 90 days jail.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how other cities in Dane County handle quiet hours.
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