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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 21:00-07:00 (night period defined in Chapter 80).
Weekends/holidays: 21:00-07:00.
Construction weekdays: No fixed citywide clock; activities must meet Chapter 80 limits. For residential districts, stationary construction equipment on projects longer than 10 days must be shielded or located to avoid unnecessary noise.
Construction weekends: Same as weekdays (limit-based; variances possible).
Milwaukee regulates noise under Chapter 80 - Subchapter 2 (Noise Control). The code defines day as 07:00-21:00 and night as 21:00-07:00, applies octave-band and Noise Rating criteria, and bans lawn or yard equipment operation 21:00-08:00 (snow removal excepted). See MCO Chapter 80.
Residential quiet hours
21:00-07:00 (night period defined in Chapter 80).
Weekends & holidays: 21:00-07:00.
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
No fixed citywide clock; activities must meet Chapter 80 limits. For residential districts, stationary construction equipment on projects longer than 10 days must be shielded or located to avoid unnecessary noise.
Weekends: Same as weekdays (limit-based; variances possible).
Lawn equipment
21:00-08:00 prohibited (snow removal excepted).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Noise is excessive if it exceeds Chapter 80 octave-band or NRN limits or constitutes a nuisance. Sound-producing devices may be subject to enforcement and, in some cases, seizure (Chapter 80-75).
Typical fines
General penalties by class under Chapter 61; special cruising-area violations carry $250-$1,000. Amounts vary by section and repeat status.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) for building or mechanical issues; Milwaukee Police non-emergency for active disturbances.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNS/About-Us/Complaints or call Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) for building or mechanical issues; Milwaukee Police non-emergency for active disturbances.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi neighbor - Milwaukee's rules get stricter after 9 p.m. We have been hearing {{describe noise}} around {{times}}. Could you keep it down during the 9 p.m.-7 a.m. hours? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we are experiencing recurring noise from {{unit/location}}. Under MCO Chapter 80 (Noise Control), night is 9 p.m.-7 a.m., and octave-band limits apply. Incidents: {{dates/times}}. Would you remind tenants or contractors? I can share a brief log.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Milwaukee Code of Ordinances - Chapter 80 (Subchapter 2: Noise Control)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Nighttime is 9 p.m.-7 a.m.; keep logs and short clips. Identify whether the source is steady (measurements) or intermittent (nuisance route).
- Lawn or yard equipment cannot run before 8 a.m.; trash compacting or collection is restricted near residences overnight.
- For live disturbances, call MPD non-emergency (414-933-4444) while the noise is occurring; for building or mechanical noise, file with DNS.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.