Noise Complaints

Too much loud noise can damage your hearing. The risk of damage depends on how loud the sound is, how long the exposure lasts, and how often the exposure happens. You can learn more about loud noises and how to protect your hearing on the CDC website.

Aircraft Noise

The City of Madison does not handle aircraft noise complaints. Please use the following resources to report aircraft noise issues:

• Dane County Regional Airport Noise Report Form
• File a noise complaint with Wisconsin Air National Guard Public Affairs: 608-242-3050

Barking Dogs

The Madison Police Department handles barking dog complaints. Please visit Public Health Animal Services for other animal-related issues.

• Call the Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275
• Press 6 or say "occurring now"
• A representative will ask for details about the situation

Boat Noise

It is unlawful for a motorboat to operate at a noise level that exceeds 86 dBA. Please contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to report excessive boat noise.

WI DNR Tip Line: 1-800-847-9367

Car Alarms

If a car alarm has been going off for longer than usual:

• Call the Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275
• Press 6 or say "occurring now"
• A representative will ask for details about the situation

Car Stereos

Car stereos may not be audible from more than 75 feet away. This is a City ordinance. To report a violation, follow these steps:

• Call the Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275
• Press 6 or say “occurring now”
• A representative will ask for the following details:
  • License plate
  • Color of vehicle
  • Make, model and year of vehicle, if possible
  • Is the vehicle occupied, if so how many people?

  Construction Noise

  Contractors are allowed to use construction equipment at:

  • Monday – Saturday, 7:00am – 7:00pm
  • Sunday, 10:00am – 7:00pm

  For more information, visit the Construction Noise page.

  Reporting Construction Noise

  If you hear construction noise outside the allowed times:

  1. First time:
     • Call Building Inspection at 608-266-4551
     • Building Inspection will contact the contractor and remind them of the ordinance
  2. If the noise continues, or if it is after 7:00pm:
     • Call the Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275
     • Press 6 or say “occurring now”
     • A representative will ask for details about the situation

  Complaint Details

  Please provide specific details about your construction noise complaint. This will help the City resolve your issue.

  • Details about noise: Loud machines, hammering, etc.
  • Location of the noise: Provide an address when possible

  Loud Parties

  • Call the Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275
  • Press 6 or say "occurring now"
  • A representative will ask for details about the situation

  Special Events

  Groups can rent park shelters or hold events in public areas. These events sometimes include a noise amplification permit. Permits have notification requirements, rules for sound volume, and allowed hours.

  If you have a noise complaint, you can attempt to resolve the issue with event organizers.

  If you are not comfortable approaching organizers, contact the Madison Police Department. An officer can help determine if the circumstance is in violation of ordinance. If the circumstance is in violation, the officer will document the event. If appropriate, Police will issue a citation.

  Police Non-Emergency line: 608-266-4275

  Train Noise

  A train must blow its horn before any railroad crossing unless it is within a "Quiet Zone". This is a safety precaution required by the Federal Railroad Administration.

  A "Quiet Zone" is a federally designated stretch of land where trains are only required to sound a horn in an emergency. In Madison, there are 26 Quiet Zones. Read more about Quiet Zones.

  You can use our General Feedback form to report train noise concerns. The City has no real influence on what time of day a train operates. We will forward comments to the operating railroad.