The Health Services Department issues variances from the Noise Ordinance for construction and community special events (not private events). The Police Department enforces the Noise Ordinance. Complaints regarding noise should be directed to the Police Department at 563.589.4415. Please use our Noise Variance Permit Form if you would like to apply for a variance.
The keeping of, upon any premises, owned, controlled or occupied by any person, any animal or fowl which, by sound or cry, shall cause annoyance or discomfort to a person of normal sensibilities is prohibited.
The creation of any loud or excessive noise resulting from erection, excavation, demolition, alteration or repairs related to any structure, infrastructure, or building is prohibited, except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Powered equipment, such as lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors that are necessary for the maintenance of property may operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday.
The operation of any pile driver, pipe ramming, pneumatic hammer, or similar construction equipment, except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and when so permitted, only if equipped with an effective muffling device.
The collection of garbage, trash, refuse or recyclables in any area zoned residential is permitted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. of any day.
Snow removal equipment may be operated at any time.
The creation of loud and excessive noise resulting from the repair or rebuilding of any motor vehicle within any residential area is permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily.
The making or continuing to make any outdoor music or amplified noise is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Reasonable sounds emanating from sanctioned sporting events conducted on the grounds of a Dubuque public or parochial school or college campuses within a sports stadium between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 (midnight) on Friday and Saturday, Sports team practices and intramurals are not considered sanctioned sporting events under this code.
Reasonable sounds emanating from musical instruments of marching bands or other musical teams, without electronic amplification, engaged in performance or practice, conducted on the grounds of a Dubuque public or parochial school or college campuses between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 (midnight) on Friday and Saturday.
For a complete listing of regulated and prohibited ordinances, click here.