Definitions.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 80-60
in effect80-60. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this subchapter:
1. AMBIENT NOISE shall mean all the encompassing noise associated with a given environment, being usually a composite of sounds from many sources near and far.
2. AMPLITUDE shall mean the absolute value of the maximum displacement from zero value during one period of oscillation.
3. CHIEF OF POLICE means the legally designated chief of police or an authorized representative designated by the chief of police.
4. DAY shall mean the hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
5. Db shall mean a standard unit of acoustic pressure measurement having a zero reference of 0.0002 microbar.
6. DISPLACEMENT shall mean a simple harmonic motion in any plane.
7. IMPULSIVE NOISE shall mean a noise of short duration.
8. NIGHT shall mean the hours between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
9. NOISE shall mean unwanted or annoying sound.
10. NOISE RATING NUMBER shall mean the criteria established in the noise rating curves of the International Standards Organization as published in ISO/TC 43, Secretariat - 139, August 1961, Table I; noise rating numbers copy attached to common council file number 72-1446.
11. NUISANCE means the making, creating, or causing to be made or continued of any boisterous or unreasonably loud noise which causes, constitutes or tends to provoke a disturbance and which is detrimental to the public health, safety, welfare or peace, or noise which exceeds the limitations set forth in s. 80-64 or 80-65.
12. PERSON means an owner as that term is defined in s. 200-08-66, an operator as that term is defined in s. 200-08-64 and occupant as that term is defined in s. 200-08-61. For purposes of enforcing the provisions of s. 80-63, “person” shall also mean the owner or operator, as defined in s. 340.01(41), Wis. Stats., of a vehicle or other machinery on the public highways.
13. PREMISES means one or more lots or portions of lots, including any structures, which are contiguous and under common ownership or control.
14. PURE TONE shall mean a sound having a single pitch.
15. VEHICLE shall mean any passenger vehicle, truck, truck trailer, trailer, semitrailer, boat or vessel, or similar device intended to convey people or commodities, which is propelled or drawn by mechanical power, but shall not include airplanes and toys.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH80.pdf#page=21Fetched: 10/26/2026