These ordinances prohibit disturbing or excessive noise or conduct which is likely to cause discomfort or annoyance to neighbors.  It is unlawful for individuals to participate in, conduct, visit, or remain at a gathering when they know or have reason to know it is a noisy or unruly assembly.   It is also unlawful for owners, landlords, and rental license holders to permit property under their control to be used for noisy or unruly assembly.

Noisy or unruly assembly is defined as a gathering of more than one person in a residential area or building between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. whose noisy or illegal conduct would be likely to cause significant discomfort or annoyance to neighbors.  In addition to noise, such conduct may include obstruction of streets/sidewalks, minors consuming alcohol, provision of alcohol to minors, fighting, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, littering, and public urination.

Public nuisance noise includes amplified sound from radio, loud speakers, stereo or other electronic device, inside or outside, which carries to adjacent residences and is audible at 50 feet or more.

Violation of these ordinances may lead to criminal enforcement and fines up to $1000.00 and/or ninety days in jail.  Repeat violators of noisy or unruly assembly may also be subject to civil fines starting at  $150 for residents/guests, and  $200 for landlords.  Fines may double for each additional incident.

* Prepared by University of Minnesota Student Legal Service