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:
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
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.
Note
Please review the above requirements to ensure you apply for the correct amplified sound allowance!