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Minneapolis, MN
Noise Ordinance Overview

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Official Decibel Limits

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Residential Day
+10dB
Above Ambient
Residential Night
+10dB
Above Ambient

"Minneapolis ordinances reference Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7030, for outdoor noise levels, which use L10 and L50 calculations (sound level exceeded 10% and 50% of an hour, respectively). Indoor measurements within a dwelling use C-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) above ambient."

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AI Executive Summary

Gemini AI

Minneapolis, MN noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 389 of the Code, establish quiet hours typically from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM for many activities. Violations are determined by decibel levels above ambient noise, referencing Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7030, and include specific restrictions for construction, amplified sound, and vehicles. Penalties range from fines up to $1,000 to potential jail time or loss of rental licenses.

Specific Noise Restrictions

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Construction

General construction/demolition is allowed weekdays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After-hours permits are required for Saturday or Sunday work. Homeowners performing work do not need a permit for weekdays from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Construction equipment sound levels shall not exceed 90 decibels measured at 50 feet or more from the source, unless conforming to Minnesota Rules Chapter 7030.

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Amplified Sound

Outdoor amplified sound audible above conversation beyond 50 feet typically requires a permit. Permit hours are generally 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extendable to 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Standard and small event permits are not issued past 9:00 PM on Sundays if within 500 feet of a residential property or religious institution. Sounds of religious worship, such as bells, chimes, or amplified call to prayer, are allowed within specified limits (e.g., 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for chimes), with the amplified call to prayer having no time constraints.

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Animals

Noise from barking dogs or other pets can be reported to 311. If a violation is verified, a citation may be issued.

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Vehicles

Sound from motor vehicle sound systems or audio systems clearly audible beyond 50 feet is illegal. Modified exhausts that increase noise are banned (Ordinance 389.190), and engine braking is banned on I-394 (Ordinance 474.125).

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Outdoor Implements

Use of power lawnmowers, trimmers, saws, leaf blowers, or similar tools is allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Snowblowers and snowplows are allowed anytime during an official snow emergency or within 24 hours of a snowfall of 1 inch or more.

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Garbage Collection

Garbage pickup noise is allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM if within 500 feet of a residence.

Noise Protection Score

BGood

How well does Minneapolis protect residents from noise?

Decibel Limits10/25

Qualitative standard

Quiet Hours20/25

Extensive coverage

Penalties25/25

Strong penalties with escalation

Coverage25/25

6 noise categories regulated

compare_arrowsCompare Another CityScore: 80/100 — Based on dB limits, quiet hours, penalties, and ordinance breadth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Minneapolis, MN?

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Minneapolis's quiet hours: General quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, though specific activities have varying permitted times. For indoor residential noise, nighttime is 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.

What are the noise decibel limits in Minneapolis?

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Minneapolis's residential noise limits: Outdoor: L10 = 65 dBA, L50 = 60 dBA (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM). Indoor: 10 dB(C) Leq above ambient (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM). dB(A) during the day and Outdoor: L10 = 55 dBA, L50 = 50 dBA (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM). Indoor: 5 dB(C) Leq above ambient (10:00 PM - 6:00 AM). dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not explicitly detailed, but outdoor sound is generally five (5) dB(A) or more above ambient noise levels between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. Amplified sound for standard/large event permits not to exceed 90 dB(A) at 50 feet from source, or 15 dB(A) above ambient off-property. Small event permits not to exceed 80 dB(A) at 50 feet, or 10 dB(A) above ambient off-property.. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.

How do I file a noise complaint in Minneapolis?

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Call the Minneapolis police non-emergency line at 311 or 612-673-3000 (general non-emergency City information). For tips, 612-673-5335.. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 311 or 612-673-3000 (general City information and reporting).. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Minneapolis?

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Minneapolis's noise violation penalties: Violations of the noise ordinance can result in fines. A first general noise violation may be up to $500, a second up to $700, and a third up to the maximum amount. Noisy or unruly assembly violations can lead to fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail, and property owners may lose their rental license. For barking dogs, an initial citation can be $200, with repeat violations potentially reaching $2,000. A verbal order to cease noise is typically given before a charge, except between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.

What are the dog barking rules in Minneapolis?

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Minneapolis's rules: Noise from barking dogs or other pets can be reported to 311. If a violation is verified, a citation may be issued.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 311 or 612-673-3000 (for animal issues like barking dogs or stray animals). or the police non-emergency line.

When can construction work start in Minneapolis?

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Minneapolis's construction noise rules: General construction/demolition is allowed weekdays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After-hours permits are required for Saturday or Sunday work. Homeowners performing work do not need a permit for weekdays from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Construction equipment sound levels shall not exceed 90 decibels measured at 50 feet or more from the source, unless conforming to Minnesota Rules Chapter 7030.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.

Are there rules about loud music in Minneapolis?

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Yes. Minneapolis's ordinance: Outdoor amplified sound audible above conversation beyond 50 feet typically requires a permit. Permit hours are generally 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extendable to 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Standard and small event permits are not issued past 9:00 PM on Sundays if within 500 feet of a residential property or religious institution. Sounds of religious worship, such as bells, chimes, or amplified call to prayer, are allowed within specified limits (e.g., 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for chimes), with the amplified call to prayer having no time constraints.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.

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