Noise and sound-level limits in Saint Paul

Noise Limits by Area

Most residential areas have a basic 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. limit of 65 decibels adjusted (dBa) averaged for one hour, which is equivalent to a common conversation. Other areas, such as industrial or business districts, may go up to 70-80 dBa, roughly equivalent to a passing semi truck.

An interactive map of Saint Paul's zoning districts can be found here.  The below chart is adapted from Saint Paul City Ordinance Sec 293.07:

Animal-Related Noise

Dogs must not be allowed to howl, yelp, or bark to the “reasonable annoyance of another person,” per City Ordinance Section 200.14, which may be found here.

First complaints may result in an advisement to the dog owner. Subsequent offenses or complaints could result in citations or impoundment of the animal. Two witnesses, or an officer and one witness, willing to testify that the violation was observed, are necessary before the citation or impoundment can occur.

If you have a barking dog problem in your neighborhood, call Saint Paul Animal Control during normal business hours at 651-266-1100. After business hours call the Saint Paul Police non-emergency number at 651-291-1111 to make a report.

Prolonged Noises 

Certain types of bothersome or irritating noises are illegal, such as... 

• Noisy parties in private homes or apartments
• Radios, paging systems, musical instruments
• Noise from a bar or similar business, including noisy patrons outside the bar, including disorderly conduct
• Vehicle noises may be illegal if they are from...
  • Noisy mufflers, no exhaust system, or car stereos 
  • Vehicles that make very loud grating, grinding, or rattling noises
  • Defective/unsecured loads
  • Honking the horn for reasons other than emergencies
• Owners or operators of vehicles with booming stereos may be fined up to $500 for a second offense for playing music loud enough to be heard at 50 feet away
  • The police can write a citation or correction order that a vehicle be repaired. In most cases, the police must hear the noise in order to tag the vehicle
  • If the car with the noisy muffler belongs to your neighbor, you can also call the police with a complaint and they can come out, inspect it, and possibly tag it. The police may ask you to sign a complaint about the vehicle
• Domestic power tools such as saws, drills, lawnmowers, and snowblowers 

Reporting Prolonged Noise

Call the City of Saint Paul Information and Complaint line at 651-266-8989 Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., to report noise that may be louder than what is permitted. Your complaint will be entered anonymously and reviewed by Department of Safety and Inspections staff. If there is a violation or the source of the noise is not consistent with a current permit or amplified sound variance. This option is best for noise from events or multiple violations from the same property.

You may also call the Saint Paul Police Department's non-emergency line at 651-291-1111, which is monitored 24 hours a day. An officer may come out to address the concern; however, depending upon workload, there may be a delay in response time.

Any illegal or dangerous activity should be immediately reported to the police by dialing 911.