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Step 1 of 3Green Bay, WI
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"A court may determine any noise is unreasonable solely because it exceeds 80 dB(A) using an A-weighted sound pressure level instrument when measured from any property not under control of the person producing the noise. Certain noise reasonable during daytime may be unreasonably loud during nighttime, and noise unreasonable in residential areas may be reasonable in mixed-use, commercial, or industrial areas."
AI Executive Summary
Green Bay, WI noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 27.203 "REGULATION OF NOISE" of the Municipal Code, prohibit unreasonably loud noise. The city defines daytime as 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. and nighttime as 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. Noise exceeding 80 dB(A) is considered unreasonable when measured from an adjacent property. Violations may be considered public nuisances under Chapter 24.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction work, public utility projects, and public works are presumed reasonable during daytime hours (7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.) Monday through Saturday, provided reasonable steps are taken to minimize noise.
Amplified Sound
Use of loudspeakers on streets requires a permit from the Police Chief, not granted before 9:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M. For amplified sound outside 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. for special events, a Noise Permit from the Green Bay Police Department (920-448-3217) is required.
Animals
The keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl which, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing, or making of other noises, greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons, is considered a public nuisance.
Vehicles
Locomotives are prohibited from blowing whistles except in cases of imminent danger. Vessels or crafts are not to operate or blow their whistle while moored.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Green Bay protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Standard coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Green Bay, WI?
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Green Bay's quiet hours: 10PM-7AM. 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 Green Bay?
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Green Bay's residential noise limits: Not specified, but noise exceeding 80 dB(A) is considered unreasonable. dB(A) during the day and Not specified, but noise exceeding 80 dB(A) is considered unreasonable. dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified, but noise exceeding 80 dB(A) is considered unreasonable.. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Green Bay?
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Call the Green Bay police non-emergency line at 920-391-7450. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 920-448-3300. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Green Bay?
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Green Bay's noise violation penalties: Violations of the public/chronic nuisance ordinance, including noise violations, may result in citations with fines up to $2,518 per incident for each day the nuisance continues. The city may also bill property owners for police services.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Green Bay?
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Green Bay's rules: The keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl which, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing, or making of other noises, greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons, is considered a public nuisance.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 920-448-3201 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Green Bay?
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Green Bay's construction noise rules: Construction work, public utility projects, and public works are presumed reasonable during daytime hours (7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.) Monday through Saturday, provided reasonable steps are taken to minimize noise.. 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 Green Bay?
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Yes. Green Bay's ordinance: Use of loudspeakers on streets requires a permit from the Police Chief, not granted before 9:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M. For amplified sound outside 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. for special events, a Noise Permit from the Green Bay Police Department (920-448-3217) is required.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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