Waukesha County, WI Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Statewide dB limit
- None
- County STR noise rule
- None separate
- Main tool
- Municipal noise/nuisance ordinance
- State backstop
- Disorderly conduct 947.01
- Enforcement
- Police / sheriff on complaint
Summary
Wisconsin sets no statewide decibel limit. Noise at a Waukesha County STR is enforced through municipal noise/nuisance ordinances and Wisconsin's disorderly-conduct statute, Wis. Stat. 947.01. The county sets no separate STR noise rule.
Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
There is no statewide numeric noise limit in Wisconsin, and Waukesha County does not impose a distinct short-term rental noise ordinance. Loud parties or disturbances at a rental are handled the same way as at any residence: through the city, village or town noise or public-nuisance ordinance, and, when conduct is unreasonably loud, through Wisconsin's disorderly conduct statute. County sheriff's deputies or municipal police respond to complaints. County parks near lakeside rentals also enforce park quiet hours. Hosts should follow the local municipal noise ordinance and post quiet-hour guidance for guests.
Violations & Fines
Disorderly conduct under Wis. Stat. 947.01 is a Class B misdemeanor; municipal noise-ordinance violations carry local forfeitures (fines) that escalate with repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waukesha County have an STR noise limit?
What happens if guests are too loud?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha County
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