Milwaukee, WI Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Milwaukee, WI?
| Regulation | Details for Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 414-933-4444 |
9PM-7AM (general); 10PM-7AM (trash collection near residential); before 8AM (lawn mowers/noisy equipment).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Milwaukee, WI Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee, WI noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 80, Subchapter 2 "Noise Control," prohibit excessive noise deemed a nuisance. They specify quiet hours between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and regulate various noise sources like amplified sound, certain equipment, and construction activities, outlining enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) | Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) |
| Commercial | Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) | Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) |
Note: The subject noise must exceed the ambient noise by 5 dB or more in any octave band to be declared excessive. Residential air conditioners have specific, but unspecified, noise level restrictions for adjacent sleeping rooms.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Lawn mowers and other noisy equipment cannot be run before 8:00 a.m.. Trash compacting and collection is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 200 feet of a residential premises, with an exception for city sanitation operations.
- Amplified Sound:
Noise from radios, televisions, musical instruments, or other sound-producing devices is a nuisance if it disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighbors at a distance greater than 50 feet from the source. Repeat offenders may have sound-producing devices impounded.
- Animals:
It is illegal to keep animals that habitually disturb the peace. Complaints require a signed written report to the Department of Neighborhood Services and a willingness to testify in court.
- Vehicles:
It is unlawful to cause, suffer, or allow loud, excessive, or unusual noise from vehicle radios, stereos, or other mechanical/electrical devices upon highways that disturbs the comfort, quiet, or repose of persons. Wisconsin state law requires adequate mufflers to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Auto audio violators face fines and potential equipment confiscation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Milwaukee, WI Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Milwaukee, WI?
9PM-7AM (general); 10PM-7AM (trash collection near residential); before 8AM (lawn mowers/noisy equipment).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Milwaukee, WI?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) during the day and Not specified (must not exceed ambient by 5dB) 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 Milwaukee, WI?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Milwaukee, WI police non-emergency line at 414-933-4444. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 414-286-2268 (Department of Neighborhood Services for general nuisance/building issues); 414-286-8211 (Development Center for commercial code questions).