Noise Ordinances in Fulshear, TX

If you live in Fulshear or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fulshear has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Quiet Hours

Fulshear Code of Ordinances Chapter 18, Article VI (Noise) sets nighttime hours from 10:01 PM to 6:59 AM in residential areas, with daytime hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Nonresidential daytime extends to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Fulshear Police enforce as a Class C misdemeanor.

Key details: Nighttime Quiet Hours: 10:01 PM to 6:59 AM residential. Daytime Quiet Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM residential. Nonresidential Hours: Extends to midnight Fri-Sat. Violation Penalty: Class C misdemeanor up to $500. Complaints Contact: Fulshear PD 281-346-2202.

Barking Dogs

Fulshear prohibits keeping any animal or bird whose frequent, long, or continued sound unreasonably disturbs neighbors, regardless of decibel level, and three or more complaints within 60 days create a legal presumption of violation.

Key details: Governing section: § 18-230, Chapter 18 Environment. Standard: Frequent, long, or continued disturbing sound. Presumption trigger: 3+ complaints from 2+ households in 60 days. Max fine: $500 per offense (§ 1-17). Applies regardless of: measured decibel levels (§ 18-239).

Misdemeanor under § 18-230, punishable by a fine up to $500 per § 1-17's general penalty; each day the disturbing noise continues is a separate offense.

Vehicle Noise

Fulshear bans loud vehicle noise from bad mufflers, jake brakes, and car stereos audible 30 feet away or causing felt vibration, under City Code § 18-229.

Key details: Stereo distance limit: 30 feet from vehicle. Jake braking: Banned citywide. Idling limit: 1 hour maximum. Penalty: Up to $500 per day. Business defense: 8am-8pm commercial sound use exempted.

Violating Fulshear's vehicle noise rules is a Class C misdemeanor, fined up to $500 per day under City Code § 1-17, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Fulshear requires a city council permit for outdoor speakers, PA systems, or amplifiers, and bans sound plainly audible 60 feet past the property line.

Key details: Audibility trigger: 60 feet from property line. Vehicle audibility trigger: 30 feet from vehicle. Daytime limit: 85 dB(A). Nighttime limit: 70 dB(A). Permit term cap: 1 year, council-issued.

Misdemeanor under § 1-17; general penalty up to a $500 fine per occurrence, plus permit revocation and one-year ineligibility.

Compared to other cities, Fulshear takes a harder line on amplified music & outdoor sound. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Decibel Limits

City code caps any sound source, including commercial and industrial equipment, at 85 dB(A) in daytime hours and 70 dB(A) at night, measured 60 feet from the property line.

Key details: Daytime limit: 85 dB(A) at 60 ft. Nighttime limit: 70 dB(A) at 60 ft. Nonresidential daytime hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (midnight Fri/Sat). Penalty: Class C misdemeanor, § 1-17 fine. Measurement point: Curb line of nearest street.

Class C misdemeanor under § 18-241, fined per § 1-17; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. A reading exceeding the dB(A) limit is prima facie evidence of a sound nuisance under § 18-239(b).

The Bottom Line

Fulshear's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fulshear is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fulshear's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.