How Carrollton Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide

Carrollton maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Carrollton falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Delivery Truck Noise

Loading and unloading operations at commercial or industrial sites within 500 feet of a residential area are barred from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. under Carrollton's noise code, alongside outdoor maintenance and liquid-waste removal at the same hours.

Key details: Barred hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Buffer distance: Within 500 feet of a residential area. Covered activity: Loading, unloading, outdoor maintenance, liquid waste removal. Max fine: $500 per offense, Section 10.99(A)(1)(l). Separate rule: Solid waste trucks covered by Section 130.18(A)(10).

Loading, unloading or outdoor maintenance noise from a commercial or industrial site within 500 feet of a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 130, fined up to $500 per occurrence under Section 10.99(A)(1)(l). No intent showing is required under Section 130.18(C); each night the activity recurs during the barred hours can support a separate citation.

Generator Noise

Engine-generators cannot run between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. under Carrollton's noise ordinance, but the code carves out an exception when a generator is running during a power outage to keep utility service going.

Key details: Barred hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Coverage: Engine-generators, no distance qualifier. Outage defense: Section 130.18(B)(4) exempts real power outages. Max fine: $500 per offense, Section 10.99(A)(1)(l).

Operating an engine-generator between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. without an active power outage is a Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 130, fined up to $500 per occurrence under Section 10.99(A)(1)(l). The Section 130.18(B)(4) outage defense only covers generators genuinely maintaining utility service during an outage; a defendant must show the outage to use it.

The Bottom Line

Carrollton's noise from specific sources 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 Carrollton is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Carrollton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.