Austin, TX

Austin takes noise seriously, especially given its live music reputation. Residential quiet hours run from 10:30 PM to 7 AM. The city sets a 70 dB daytime limit and a 60 dB nighttime limit in residential areas, measured at the property line. What makes Austin different is the separate set of rules for the entertainment district downtown — those areas get higher limits. But if you're in a neighborhood, the residential caps apply. The Austin Code Department handles enforcement and has a dedicated noise hotline.

Austin is one of the more chicken-friendly big cities in Texas. You can keep up to 10 hens on a standard residential lot without a permit. Roosters are banned in residential zones — no exceptions. Your coop needs to be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling and has to be a proper enclosed structure, not just chicken wire thrown over some posts. The city doesn't regulate egg sales from your property, so you can sell extras to neighbors without a food handler permit. Goats are also allowed (up to 2) as long as they're on at least a quarter acre.

Austin is fairly relaxed about RV and boat parking compared to most big cities. You can park an RV, boat, or trailer on your property — including in your driveway and side yard — with no permit needed. The main rule is that the vehicle has to be on a paved or graveled surface, not bare dirt or grass, and it can't block the sidewalk. Street parking for oversized vehicles is limited to 72 hours before you need to move it. The city doesn't have a length restriction for driveway-parked vehicles as long as they're fully on your property.