Overview
Amplified Sound Permits allow those interested in organizing a temporary special event to generate amplified sound that exceeds the City’s legal noise limits in manner that meets the following requirements. One permit may include multiple dates that are substantially similar in nature.
The requested amplified sound —
- Occurs only between the hours of...
- 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and/or...
- 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday
- Does not exceed...
- 80 decibels (measured at 50 feet from the sound source) in residential areas, and/or
- 90 decibels (measured at 50 feet from the sound source) in non-residential areas
- Does not result in permits for the property exceeding...
- 12 hours in any 1 day,
- 24 hours in any 7-day period,
- 36 hours in any 28-day period
Saint Paul has a thriving and diverse religious community. Religious expression is protected under the Constitution and therefore not explicitly provided for in City ordinance.
Note: If your event will generate noise that exceeds the permit limits or falls outside the permit hours described above, you may apply for a Sound Level Variance rather than an Amplified Sound Permit.
There are three types of Amplified Sound Permits determined by event location:
- Residential Amplified Sound Permit — issued for events located in land use categories defined in Class 1 of the Table below and are not within locations owned or operated by Parks and Recreation.
- Non-Residential Amplified Sound Permit — issued for events located in any area that is not within
Parks and Recreation owned and operated property and outside the boundaries for areas requiring
a Residential Amplified Sound permit. - Parks Amplified Sound Permit — issued for events located on Parks and Recreation-owned and operated property.
| Noise Receptor | Land Use Classification | Time | Sound Level Limit (One hour L10 dBA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | H1, H2, RM1–RM3, RL, F1, CO, PD | 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 65 dBA |
| Class I | H1, H2, RM1–RM3, RL, F1, CO, PD | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 55 dBA |
| Class II | T1–T4, OS, BC, B1, B2, F2–F6, VP | At all times | 70 dBA |
| Class III | B3-5, IT-I3 | At all times | 80 dBA |
Parks Owned and Operate Property Map Land Use Category Map
Assistance in identifying the proper permit type to apply for may be directed to 651-266-8989 or submitted electronically dsi-projectfacilitation@ci.stpaul.mn.us.