Wichita Falls's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Wichita Falls, 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.

Vehicle Noise

Wichita Falls sets no decibel or audible-at-a-distance threshold for vehicle noise. Section 46-20 instead bans specific acts: discharging exhaust without a muffler, operating an out-of-repair vehicle that grates or rattles, tire-squealing burnouts, and loudspeakers used on moving vehicles to advertise.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 46-20. Numeric limit: None: nuisance standard. Muffler: Required; TX Transp. Code 547.604. Vehicle amp advertising: Prohibited (§ 46-20(14)). Penalty: Class C misdemeanor, up to $500.

Enforced by Wichita Falls Police as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense under the Chapter 1 general penalty.

Decibel Limits

Wichita Falls bans loud, unreasonable noise from commercial and industrial equipment, air conditioning units, loading docks, and machinery, that disturbs nearby residents, enforced under the city's general nuisance noise ordinance rather than a decibel meter.

Key details: Fine: up to $500 per offense. Standard used: no decibel meter, complaint-based. Covers: A/C units, loading docks, machinery. Loading noise buffer: 200 feet from occupied property. Cited sections: City Code §§ 46-19, 46-20.

Violating the noise ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 for each offense, with each day the noise continues counted as a separate violation.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Wichita Falls bans playing music or amplified sound outdoors loud enough to disturb neighbors' peace, quiet, or repose. There's no decibel meter: enforcement turns on whether the sound disturbs people, and scheduled stadium events and permitted city celebrations are exempt.

Key details: Governing section: § 46-20(3). Decibel limit: None: nuisance standard. Test: Disturbs peace, quiet, or repose. Exempt: Permitted stadium events, city celebrations. Max fine: $500 per violation (§ 1-14).

Officers cite under the general penalty in § 1-14: a fine of up to $500 per violation, since the noise article sets no separate penalty amount.

Quiet Hours

Wichita Falls prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise that is offensive to ordinary sensibilities. Noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to be detrimental to health or comfort is unlawful under the city code.

Key details: Standard: Unreasonably loud or disturbing noise prohibited. Code Section: Code of Ordinances, Article II. Noise. Enforcement: Wichita Falls Police Department. Classification: Class C misdemeanor.

Noise violations are subject to citations and fines as Class C misdemeanors. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties.

Wichita Falls is more permissive than most cities when it comes to quiet hours. That said, there are still limits.

Construction Hours

Wichita Falls permits construction noise between 7 AM and 9 PM. Construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work outside these hours is prohibited unless an emergency exemption applies.

Key details: Permitted Hours: 7 AM–9 PM. Applies To: Construction, demolition, excavation, repair. Emergency Work: May be exempt. Violation: Class C misdemeanor.

Construction outside permitted hours may result in citations and stop-work orders. Violations are treated as Class C misdemeanors.

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

Barking Dogs

Wichita Falls treats persistent barking dogs as a noise nuisance. Dog owners are responsible for preventing excessive barking that disturbs neighbors. Wichita Falls Animal Services handles complaints.

Key details: Standard: Excessive barking disturbing neighbors. Enforcement: Wichita Falls Animal Services. Process: Warning, then citation. Documentation: Recommended for complaints.

Owners of nuisance dogs may receive warnings followed by fines. Repeat violations can result in escalating penalties and possible animal impoundment.

Wichita Falls is more permissive than most cities when it comes to barking dogs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Wichita Falls gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 3 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.

All of the above reflects Wichita Falls'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.