Round Rock's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Round Rock, Texas, there are 5 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.
Vehicle Noise
Round Rock bans car stereos, radios, and amplified sound equipment that is plainly audible 200 feet or more from the source's property line. Vehicular music amplification that causes a noise disturbance is a nuisance under the city noise ordinance, enforced by Round Rock police.
Key details: Threshold: Plainly audible at 200 feet. Governing section: Code § 14-213(b)(1)e. Enforcement: Round Rock Police Department. Penalty: Fine per occurrence (§ 1-9). Immediate remedy: Device toned down or removed.
Cited under Section 14-213, each occurrence carries a fine set by Code Section 1-9. Officers may order the sound device toned down or removed instantly, and repeat plainly-audible violations on posted commercial property draw further citations.
Decibel Limits
Round Rock caps outdoor sound at 55 dB(A) in residential zones by day, 50 dB(A) at night, and 80 dB(A) daytime / 75 dB(A) nighttime in commercial and industrial zones, measured 200 feet from the property line.
Key details: Residential daytime limit: 55 dB(A), 7 a.m.-9 p.m.. Residential nighttime limit: 50 dB(A), 9 p.m.-7 a.m.. Commercial/industrial daytime limit: 80 dB(A). Commercial/industrial nighttime limit: 75 dB(A). Measurement point: 200 feet from property line.
Violators are fined under § 1-9 per occurrence, and police can have noisy equipment removed or turned down on the spot under § 14-216.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Downtown Round Rock outdoor music venues must hold a permit and keep sound under 80 decibels during permitted hours, 60 decibels after.
Key details: Permitted-hours limit: 80 decibels at property line. Non-permitted-hours limit: 60 decibels at property line. Permit needed: Yes, MU-1 outdoor music venues. Permit issuer: Chief of Police. Revocation trigger: 3 violations in 12 months.
Operating without a permit or decibel meter, or exceeding the 80/60-decibel limits, is a violation; three violations in 12 months means the Chief of Police revokes the permit for one year.
Quiet Hours
Round Rock Code Chapter 14, Article VIII establishes time-based quiet hours and uses a 'plainly audible' standard. Quiet hours run 10 PM–7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM–8 AM on weekends.
Key details: Code Section: Ch. 14, Art. VIII. Quiet Hours (Sun–Thu): 10 PM – 7 AM. Quiet Hours (Fri–Sat): 10 PM – 8 AM. Plainly Audible Distance: 200 feet from property line. Max Fine: $2,000.
Violations of the noise ordinance are Class C misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $2,000. Repeat violations may result in escalating enforcement.
Barking Dogs
Round Rock Chapter 14 and Chapter 4 (Animals) address barking dogs as a public nuisance. Persistent barking that unreasonably disturbs neighbors is enforceable by Animal Services and Code Enforcement.
Key details: Code Sections: Ch. 4 (Animals) & Ch. 14 (Noise). Enforcement: Round Rock Animal Services. Standard: Nuisance / plainly audible at 200 ft. Max Fine: $2,000.
Nuisance citation: Class C misdemeanor up to $2,000. Animal Control may initiate impoundment for chronic violations.
The rules around barking dogs in Round Rock lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Round Rock'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 Round Rock is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Round Rock'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.