The City of Milwaukee ordinance on nuisances, Section 80-60, establishes limits on the amount of noise, which may be transmitted from one property to another. The limits vary depending on the nature of the receiving property and the time of day at which the noise occurs.

The strictest limit is Noise Rating Number 45 which applies at night between the hours of 9PM and 7AM. Noise Rating Number 55 applies during the day. The Noise Rating Numbers set maximum permissible sound pressure levels in decibels in octave frequency bands as follows:

A violation occurs if any of these levels is exceeded, and if it is at least 5 dB above the ambient noise level. If the noise is principally pure tone or impulsive in nature, the maximum levels are 5 dB lower. UWM attempts to identify and control campus noise sources so that the municipal noise control limits are not exceeded. Campus Facilities Planning also has criteria for activities that may cause significant interior noise or vibration disruption to occupied areas.

For additional information on UWM's hearing conservation and noise/vibration control program, please contact Robert Grieshaber, Industrial Hygiene Specialist, x4576.