Menasha, WI Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Menasha's short-term rental program (Sec. 7-14-1 to 7-14-4) requires every operator to designate a local representative who must respond to neighborhood complaints about noise, disturbances, or nuisances in a timely manner under Sec. 7-14-3(A)(2)(d)(iii). If the Menasha Police Department is unable to reach the local representative more than twice during a permit year, that itself counts as a violation under Sec. 7-14-3(A)(2)(d)(iv). The substantive noise rules guests must follow live in Title 11, Chapter 2 - 'Offenses Against Public Safety and Peace.' Section 11-2-7(a) bans any 'loud and unnecessary noise.' Section 11-2-7(b)(2) treats radios, musical instruments, phonographs and similar sound devices played in a 'loud and unnecessary manner' as a violation, and operating any such device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner 'plainly audible at the property line' is prima facie evidence of a violation. Section 11-2-7(b)(9)(c)(1) restricts lawn mowers, chain saws, powered garden equipment and similar maintenance equipment to operation only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Disorderly Conduct under Sec. 11-2-8(a)(1) covers any 'unreasonably loud' or boisterous conduct that tends to annoy or disturb any other person, and Sec. 11-2-8(b) separately bans squealing tires, excessive engine acceleration, and loud muffler noise from guest vehicles. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 (the 'right to rent' law) prevents Menasha from prohibiting STRs of seven days or longer but expressly preserves Menasha's authority to enforce noise, nuisance, and health-and-safety ordinances against STR operators and guests. The notice obligations of Sec. 7-14-3(A)(2)(d)(vi) require the city to give neighbors within 200 feet of the rental the local representative's contact info specifically so neighbors can call to resolve noise problems.