Minneapolis, MN Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Minneapolis, MN, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Noisy assembly hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Outdoor equipment hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Nighttime noise limit
- 5 dB(C) above ambient, indoors
- Enforcement agencies
- Police Dept. & health commissioner
- Repeat-violation window
- 180 days triggers a citation
Summary
Minneapolis defines a 'noisy or unruly assembly' as any residential gathering between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. that disturbs neighbors, and caps outdoor power equipment to 7 a.m.-10 p.m., with police and health department citations for violations.
a gathering of more than one person in a residentially zoned or used area or building between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. whose noisy or illegal conduct would be likely to cause significant discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitivities present in the area considering the time of day and the residential character of the area. Noisy or unruly assemblies may include, but are not limited to, those involving excessive noise, obstruction of public ways by crowds or vehicles, consumption of alcohol by minors, provision of alcohol to minors, fighting, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, littering, and public urination or defecation.
Octave: The interval between two (2) sounds having a frequency ratio of two (2). There are eight (8) octaves on the keyboard of a standard piano.
One-third (⅓) octave band: A frequency band whose cutoff frequencies have a ratio of 2 to the one-third (⅓) power, which is approximately 1.26. The cutoff frequencies of 891 Hz and 1,112 Hz define the 1,000 Hz third-octave band in common use.
Points of habitation: Any point inside a dwelling and any deck, patio, or other outdoor area that contains seating or cooking areas designed for the use of the occupants and within thirty (30) feet of the adjoining dwelling. Outdoor areas are a point of habitation only during the period between April 15 and November 15.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 389 sets Minneapolis's quiet hours. Any residential gathering between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. that is noisy or unruly enough to bother a reasonable neighbor is a 'noisy or unruly assembly' under § 389.30, and attending, hosting, or knowingly allowing one violates § 389.65(a)(1)-(2). Indoor noise complaints are also judged more strictly at night: § 389.60(a) allows only 5 dB(C) above ambient noise indoors overnight, versus 10 dB(C) by day. Outdoor power equipment -- mowers, leaf blowers, saws -- is restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. under § 389.80. The police department and commissioner of health enforce both.
Violations & Fines
First offense: a written notice goes to the property owner or rental license holder. A repeat noisy or unruly assembly at the same address within 180 days triggers an administrative citation under Chapter 2's civil fine schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours count as Minneapolis's quiet hours?
When can I run a leaf blower or mower in Minneapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
How Minneapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
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