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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Duluth, MN
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"City Code references exceeding levels set forth in Section 9-66 for land use categories, but specific decibel limits are not provided in available public information."
AI Executive Summary
Duluth, MN noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 34 and Section 9-65 of the City Code, prohibit unreasonable disturbances including habitual barking dogs, loud car stereos, and continuous horn honking. Specific quiet hours are enforced for amplified sound, construction, and powered model vehicles, generally from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 10 AM on weekends and holidays. Violations can result in fines and potential jail time.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating equipment used in construction work within 500 feet of any residential or noise-sensitive area is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays, except for emergency work.
Amplified Sound
Operating loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or similar devices is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Operating radios, televisions, musical instruments, or similar devices in a motor vehicle or public park in a manner plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited. Use of such devices within 1,000 feet of a residential or noise-sensitive area is prohibited without a special use permit.
Animals
No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud and frequent or habitual barking, yelping, or howling, causes reasonable annoyance of another person or persons.
Vehicles
Sounding any horn or signaling device continuously for more than 60 seconds, except as a danger warning, is prohibited. Motor vehicles shall not emit electronically amplified sounds plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet. Engine retarding brakes causing abnormal or excessive noise are prohibited, and all vehicles must have mufflers that effectively prevent abnormal or excessive noise. Loud car stereos are a Level One violation.
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