Richardson's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Richardson, Texas, there are 6 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.

Quiet Hours

Richardson Code Ch. 13, Art. III, Div. 2 prohibits unreasonably loud noise at all hours. Sec. 13-72 makes it unlawful to create noise offensive to ordinary sensibilities. Sec. 13-74 prohibits noise detrimental to life or health. Construction noise is specifically restricted between 6 PM and 7 AM.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 13, Art. III, Div. 2 (Secs. 13-71 to 13-76). Construction Restricted: 6 PM – 7 AM weekdays; all day Sat/Sun. Standard: Unreasonable to person of ordinary sensibilities. Enforcement: 972-744-4111.

Noise violations are Class C misdemeanors under the Richardson Code. Municipal fines up to $2,000 per occurrence. Under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01, disorderly conduct including unreasonable noise carries fines up to $500.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richardson gives residents more flexibility on quiet hours.

Construction Hours

Under Sec. 13-75(9), construction noise near residential areas is unrestricted 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays. Before 7 AM, after 6 PM, and on weekends, construction must not exceed permissible octave band decibel limits. A permit from the city manager's office is required for after-hours work.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM (unrestricted). After-Hours: Must meet decibel limits. Weekend: Must meet decibel limits all day. Permit: City manager's office for exceptions.

Construction noise violations outside permitted hours may result in municipal citations with fines up to $2,000 per violation. The city may issue stop-work orders for repeated violations.

Richardson is more permissive than most cities when it comes to construction hours. That said, there are still limits.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Sec. 13-75(3) declares playing any radio, TV, phonograph, or musical instrument with volume disturbing the peace, quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any dwelling to be loud and disturbing noise. Sec. 13-75(13) prohibits drums, loudspeakers, or devices used to attract attention at businesses.

Key details: Code Section: Secs. 13-75(3), 13-75(13), 13-75(14). Standard: Disturbs peace of persons in dwellings. Commercial: Loudspeakers for advertising prohibited. Vehicles: Amplifiers on moving vehicles prohibited.

Violations of amplified music rules under Sec. 13-75 are punishable as Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Municipal ordinance violations may carry additional fines up to $2,000.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richardson gives residents more flexibility on amplified music & outdoor sound.

Decibel Limits

Industrial and commercial noise in Richardson is regulated by zoning-based performance standards and the general noise ordinance. The Telecom Corridor hosts data centers and light manufacturing subject to property-line sound limits.

Key details: Industrial Uses: Industrial uses must contain noise within property lines under zoning code. General Noise: General noise ordinance applies citywide regardless of zoning. Class C: Class C misdemeanor fines up to $500 per violation. Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement investigates ongoing industrial noise complaints. Telecom Corridor: Telecom Corridor businesses typically use enclosures and sound walls for compliance.

Class C misdemeanor under general noise ordinance, up to $500 per occurrence. Zoning violations can accrue daily civil penalties. Commercial/industrial operators may face permit revocation or site plan enforcement. Report industrial noise to Code Enforcement or Richardson Police non-emergency (972) 744-4800.

Richardson is more permissive than most cities when it comes to decibel limits. That said, there are still limits.

Barking Dogs

Richardson bans letting an animal unreasonably bark, howl, crow, or make unprovoked loud noise that disturbs a person of ordinary sensibilities for at least 15 minutes. A prosecution requires a complaining witness and a dated, timed audio or video recording.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 5-9(6). Minimum duration: 15 minutes, continuous or sporadic. Evidence required: Audio or video recording. Witness requirement: A complaining witness must exist. Amended by: Ord. No. 4507, § 8, 8-12-2024.

A violation of Sec. 5-9(6) is a Class C misdemeanor prosecuted in Richardson Municipal Court, punishable by a fine (commonly up to $500 for a general animal-control offense, capped at $2,000 for offenses involving a dangerous animal under Texas law). Because the code requires a qualifying recording and a complaining witness before the city will file, a resident cannot get a citation issued on a bare phone call: they must submit a properly authenticated recording spanning the full 15-minute threshold.

Vehicle Noise

Richardson sets no decibel or audible-at-a-distance limit for vehicle noise. Section 13-75 instead bans loud car radios, rattling out-of-repair vehicles, muffler-less exhaust, and loudspeakers mounted on moving trucks as 'loud, disturbing and unnecessary' noise offenses enforced by Richardson police.

Key details: Governing section: Code Sec. 13-75 (Ch. 13, Div. 2). Standard type: Qualitative nuisance, no dBA limit. Muffler: Required for vehicle exhaust (13-75(8)). Truck loudspeakers: Banned (Sec. 13-75(14)). Enforcement: Richardson Police; criminal misdemeanor.

Loud car stereos, rattling out-of-repair vehicles, muffler-less exhaust, and truck-mounted advertising loudspeakers are charged as misdemeanor noise offenses. Enforcement turns on whether the sound disturbs ordinary residents, not on a decibel reading.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Richardson gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 4 of the 6 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.

This guide is based on Richardson's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.