Noise Ordinance in Texas (TX)
Texas has moderate enforcement of noise regulations. Texas does not have a statewide noise statute. Noise regulation is handled at the city and county level. The typical residential nighttime noise limit is No dB limit, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Fines for violations range from $200-$2,000.
Noise Regulations in Texas
Overview
Texas has no statewide noise statute — noise rules are set city by city and vary widely, from Houston's fixed decibel limits to Dallas's nuisance-based approach.
Residential Noise Limits
Texas has no single statewide residential decibel limit — noise rules are set city by city. Check the city table below for local limits; many Texas cities use a "plainly audible" or nuisance standard instead of specific decibel measurements.
Quiet hours — the period when stricter nighttime limits apply — run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM in most Texas jurisdictions. During these hours, activities that generate noise above the nighttime limit may result in a citation. Exemptions typically apply to emergency services, emergency repairs, and certain agricultural operations.
Construction Noise
Construction in Texas is generally permitted from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Some cities allow Saturday construction with shorter hours (often 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), while Sunday and holiday construction is typically prohibited in residential areas. Emergency construction and utility repairs are usually exempt from time restrictions.
Fines and Penalties
Noise ordinance violations in Texas typically carry fines ranging from $200-$2,000. First-time offenders usually receive a warning or the minimum fine. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties. In some jurisdictions, chronic noise violations can be classified as misdemeanors, and equipment generating the noise may be subject to seizure. Commercial establishments that repeatedly violate noise codes may face license suspension or revocation.
State Law
Texas does not have a comprehensive statewide noise statute. Noise regulation is left to individual cities and counties, which means rules can vary significantly between neighboring jurisdictions. If you live in Texas, check your specific city or county code for the noise rules that apply to your location. The data below covers the major cities in Texas.
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City Noise Ordinances in Texas
The following table shows noise ordinance details for 6 cities in Texas. City-level rules may be stricter than the state standard. Click the city name for specific details.
| City | Day Limit | Night Limit | Quiet Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 65 dB | 58 dB | 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM | Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 30 (Sec. 30-5): 65 dB(A) during daytime hours (8 AM-10 PM) and 58 dB(A) during nighttime hours (10 PM-8 AM), measured at the receiving property. Sound amplification permits allow up to 75 dB(A). No zoning means noise issues can be complex. |
| San Antonio | 63 dB | 63 dB | 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM | San Antonio Code Chapter 21, Article III (Noise): §21-52(a)(9) sets a flat 63 dB(A) cap on residential-zoned property (no day/night split for residential); River Walk entertainment area (§21-60) allows 72 dBA/80 dBC with no nighttime reduction. Citywide quiet hours: 10pm-6am Sun-Thu, 11pm-6am Fri-Sat. |
| Dallas | No dB limit | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | Dallas City Code Chapter 30 uses a nuisance/audibility standard (no decibel table): Sec. 30-1 bans noise "offensive to the ordinary sensibilities" of inhabitants; Sec. 30-2 lists presumed-offensive noise (horns, loud music near a residence, animal noise >15 min, construction outside 7am-7pm M-F/8am-7pm Sat, garbage collection 10pm-7am near residential). No "Deep Ellum" exemption was found anywhere in the chapter. |
| Austin | 75 dB | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 10:00 AM | Austin Code Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound): §9-2-5 caps sound equipment at 75 dB(A) at the property line between 10am-10pm; between 10pm-10am sound equipment may not be audible beyond the property line at all. §9-2-3(A)(2) separately bars any noise audible to an adjacent residence between 10:30pm-7am. Sixth Street District has relaxed limits (up to 85 dB at outdoor music venues, §9-2-30). No "Rainey Street" exemption was found in the chapter. |
| Fort Worth | 70 dB | 60 dB | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | Fort Worth Code §23-8 sets residential zoning district limits of 70 dBA daytime (7am-10pm) / 60 dBA nighttime (10pm-7am), measured at the complainant's property line (confirmed via Ordinance 24752-03-2021). |
| El Paso | 55 dB | 50 dB | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | El Paso Code Chapter 9.40 (Noise), §9.40.040, Noise Zone I (residential): 55 dB(A) daytime (7am-10pm) / 50 dB(A) nighttime (10pm-7am), exterior; a parallel interior standard (§9.40.050) uses the same figures. |
How to Handle Noise Issues in Texas
- Document everything: Keep a log of noise incidents including dates, times, duration, and type of noise. Record audio or video if possible.
- Talk to your neighbor first: Many noise issues can be resolved with a polite conversation. Your neighbor may not realize they are causing a disturbance.
- File a complaint: Contact your local non-emergency police line or 311 service. Have your noise log available when you call.
- Know your rights: The noise limits in your area are enforceable by law. Repeat violations can result in fines of $200-$2,000 in Texas.
- Consider mediation: Many cities offer free mediation services for neighbor disputes, which can be faster and less adversarial than enforcement.
States with Similar Noise Enforcement
These states have the same enforcement level as Texas (Moderate Enforcement):
| State | Night Limit | Quiet Hours | Fines | State Law? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $200-$2,000 | No |
| Georgia (GA) | No dB limit | 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $100-$1,000 | No |
| Michigan (MI) | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $100-$500 | No |
| Missouri (MO) | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $100-$500 | No |
| North Carolina (NC) | No dB limit | 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $100-$500 | No |
| Ohio (OH) | No dB limit | 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM | $100-$500 | No |
Need More Information?
Use our noise ordinance lookup tool to quickly check any state or city's rules, or browse all 50 states + DC to compare noise ordinances across the country. Remember: noise rules vary by specific jurisdiction. Contact your local code enforcement office for the most current regulations in your area.