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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Rochester, MN
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The City of Rochester's general noise ordinance does not specify decibel limits, focusing on 'unnecessary or unusual noise'. However, Minnesota state noise rules (Minn. R. 7030.0040) for residential areas set limits: L10 = 65 dBA and L50 = 60 dBA during the daytime (7 AM – 10 PM), and L10 = 55 dBA and L50 = 50 dBA during the nighttime (10 PM – 7 AM). Rochester Township, a separate entity, defines 'loud noise' as exceeding approximately 85 dBA at the property boundary as a general guideline."
AI Executive Summary
Rochester, MN noise ordinances prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace and comfort of residents (Chapter 8-7, Sec. 8-7-8). Specific quiet hours are enforced for gatherings (11 PM-7 AM) and construction activities. Restrictions also cover amplified sound and excessive animal noise, with violations potentially leading to misdemeanor charges.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction work requiring a building permit (including excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair) is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. It is also prohibited from 10:00 p.m. Saturday through 12:00 noon Sunday, and from 10:00 p.m. Sunday through 7:00 a.m. Monday. Permits can be obtained for work outside these hours.
Amplified Sound
No person shall shout, cry out, blow a horn, ring a bell, or use any sound-amplifying device on public streets, alleys, parks, or other public places, or on private premises where the sound is plainly heard on public places (Sec. 5-14-16). Playing radios, televisions, phonographs, or musical instruments at a volume that disturbs the peace, particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited. Sound amplification permits can provide a defense.
Animals
It is unlawful for any dog to bark, whine, howl, or make other noise excessively so as to cause annoyance or discomfort to reasonable persons. This applies if the noise lasts for more than five continuous minutes or is intermittent for more than one hour and is plainly audible outside the property where the dog is kept.
Vehicles
No specific decibel limits are listed for vehicle noise, but playing any sound-amplifying device in a vehicle in a manner that disturbs the peace, particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited.
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