Arlington's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Arlington, Texas, there are 9 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise in Arlington is governed almost entirely by the Federal Aviation Administration, not by the city. DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field, Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY), and Grand Prairie Airport all generate overflights, and because 49 U.S.C. Section 40103 and FAA regulations preempt local control of airspace, Arlington cannot impose curfews or altitude rules on aircraft operations.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/noise) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Arlington is more permissive than most cities when it comes to aircraft noise. That said, there are still limits.
Construction Hours
Arlington restricts construction noise through Chapter 22 (Noise) of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial and residential construction is generally permitted between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, with stricter limits when activity is adjacent to residential zones. Early morning impact work (hammering, jackhammers, pile driving) near homes is the most common complaint routed through Ask Arlington 311.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/arlington) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Leaf Blower Rules
Arlington does not have a standalone leaf blower ordinance or decibel cap specific to blowers. Gas and electric blowers are legal to operate, but they are subject to the general noise limits in Chapter 22 and the construction-hour conventions (roughly 7 AM to 10 PM near residential areas). Commercial landscapers servicing HOAs around Viridian, Highlands, and Dalworthington Gardens must observe neighborhood quiet hours.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/arlington) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Arlington gives residents more flexibility on leaf blower rules.
Amplified Music & Events
Arlington regulates amplified music under general noise ordinance. Entertainment district near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field has special event permits for concerts and stadium events.
Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Entertainment District: Special event permits. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: TX Penal Code §42.01.
Noise violation: $200 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disorderly conduct: Class C misdemeanor up to $500.
Outdoor Music
Outdoor amplified music in Arlington requires compliance with Chapter 22 (Noise) and, for venues or events, specific use permits or special event permits. Entertainment District venues around AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live!, Choctaw Stadium, and the surrounding bars operate under site-specific agreements. Residential backyard parties are held to the plainly-audible standard and the 10 PM common courtesy hour.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/parks_recreation/events) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Decibel Limits
Arlington primarily enforces noise through a plainly-audible and reasonable-person nuisance standard in Chapter 22 rather than a fixed citywide decibel table. Specific decibel thresholds appear in zoning performance standards for industrial-residential boundaries and in special event permits for venues like AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium. For most residential complaints, officers do not require a meter reading to cite.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/arlington) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Industrial Noise
Industrial noise in Arlington is regulated through Chapter 22 (Noise) and the zoning ordinance. Facilities in Light Industrial (LI) and Industrial Manufacturing (IM) districts near Great Southwest Parkway, Avenue E, and the SH 360 corridor must not produce noise that exceeds nuisance limits at the boundary of adjacent residential or commercial districts. Continuous process noise, truck loading, and rooftop equipment are the typical enforcement targets.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/planning_and_development_services) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Barking Dogs
Arlington treats persistent barking, howling, or yelping as a public nuisance under Chapter 22 (Noise) and Chapter 5 (Animals). A dog that barks continuously for an extended period, or intermittently over a longer stretch, in a way that disturbs neighbors can trigger citations to the owner. Enforcement runs through Animal Services and Code Compliance, with Ask Arlington 311 as the intake channel.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Arlington code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/arlington) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Quiet Hours
Arlington enforces noise limits under Nuisance Chapter Sec. 2.03(M) with 85 dBA daytime and 65 dBA nighttime limits. Quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM Mon–Thu and midnight–7 AM Fri–Sat. The entertainment district near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field has special event exemptions.
Key details: Code Section: Nuisance Ch. Sec. 2.03(M). Day Limit: 85 dBA. Night Limit: 65 dBA. Quiet Hours M-Th: 10 PM – 7 AM. Quiet Hours F-Sa: Midnight – 7 AM.
Misdemeanor offense under Sec. 2.03(M). Fine up to $500 per day for standard violations. Outdoor festival violations: fine up to $2,000. Each day constitutes a separate offense. At least one warning issued before citation.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Arlington gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
These rules come from Arlington's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.