Fargo, ND Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Fargo, ND?
| Regulation | Details for Fargo, ND |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-6AM (weekdays), 11PM-7AM (weekends) |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 701-235-4493 |
For residential zoning districts and the Downtown Business District, quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday evening through Friday morning, and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday evening through Sunday morning. Mowers and snowblowers have quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Fargo, ND Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Fargo, ND?
Fargo, ND noise ordinances, detailed in Chapter 11, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs others. Quiet hours for residential areas are generally 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends. Decibel limits vary by zoning, ranging from 50-55 dB(A) at night to 55-80 dB(A) during the day, depending on the district.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dB(A) (6 AM-10 PM Mon-Thu; 6 AM-11 PM Fri; 7 AM-11 PM Sat; 7 AM-10 PM Sun) | 50 dB(A) (10 PM-6 AM Sun eve-Fri morn; 11 PM-7 AM Fri eve-Sun morn) |
| Commercial | 65 dB(A) (6 AM-10 PM Mon-Thu; 6 AM-11 PM Fri; 7 AM-11 PM Sat; 7 AM-10 PM Sun) | 60 dB(A) (10 PM-6 AM Sun eve-Fri morn; 11 PM-7 AM Fri eve-Sun morn) |
Note: Decibel limits for industrial zones are 80 dB(A) during the day and 75 dB(A) at night. Noise levels are measured using the 'A' weighting network (dB(A)). Motor vehicles over 10,000 lbs are limited to 88 dB(A) at 25 feet, while those under 10,000 lbs (including passenger cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles) are limited to 80 dB(A) at 25 feet. Interstate motor carriers have a limit of 92 dB(A) at 25 feet. Aircraft noise is limited to 88 dB(A) within the city.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and maintenance activities at the site are generally exempt from noise level regulations. However, complaints about excessive construction noise can be reported to the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.
- Amplified Sound:
Outdoor use of sound-amplifying equipment requires a permit, per City Ordinance 11-0209. Permits are not issued for residential zoning districts. If the sound source is within 500 feet of a residential district, permits are valid for no longer than one day. Amplified music is not allowed at block parties. Sound amplifying equipment is defined as equipment that amplifies sound to 85 dB(A) or more at 25 feet. Sound amplification in parks is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.
- Animals:
Pet owners are responsible for keeping their animals from disturbing neighbors. Frequent barking, howling, crying, or whining should be reported to the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493. Community service officers will issue warnings, and continued problems may lead to further action.
- Vehicles:
Loud car stereos exceeding 80 dB at 25 feet are prohibited. Compression brakes on motorized vehicles are unlawful. Radios, tape players, or other sound amplifiers in vehicles that can be heard more than 10 feet away are specifically prohibited in the Downtown Business District and residential zoning districts during quiet hours.
- Parties/Gatherings:
Any unreasonable noise from parties or gatherings in a residential area, audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building (or in an adjacent hallway/apartment), between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., is a violation.
- General:
Shouting or yelling where the voice is clearly audible at a distance of more than 10 feet is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fargo, ND Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Fargo, ND?
For residential zoning districts and the Downtown Business District, quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday evening through Friday morning, and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday evening through Sunday morning. Mowers and snowblowers have quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Fargo, ND?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB(A) (6 AM-10 PM Mon-Thu; 6 AM-11 PM Fri; 7 AM-11 PM Sat; 7 AM-10 PM Sun) during the day and 50 dB(A) (10 PM-6 AM Sun eve-Fri morn; 11 PM-7 AM Fri eve-Sun morn) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Fargo, ND?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Fargo, ND police non-emergency line at 701-235-4493. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 701-241-1561.