Noise from Specific Sources in Irving, TX

Irving maintains 159 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Irving falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Generator Noise

Irving Ch. 22 general noise provisions apply to generators. Continuous use of generators producing unreasonable noise may be cited. Emergency generators during power outages are generally tolerated.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None; general noise rules apply. Emergency Use: Generally tolerated. Construction Hours: 6 AM-9 PM weekdays, 7 AM-8 PM weekends. Permanent Standby: Must meet code setbacks. Max Fine: $500 per violation.

Non-emergency generator noise complaints handled under Ch. 22. Fines up to $500.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Irving restaurants and bars using amplified sound must stop by 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and stay under 70 dBA at the property line, unless they sit within 300 feet of a home that predates the business.

Key details: Amplified sound cutoff Sun-Thu: 10:00 p.m.. Amplified sound cutoff Fri-Sat: 11:00 p.m.. Perimeter dBA limit: 70 dBA. Exemption lost near older homes: within 300 feet. Fine: up to $500 per night.

Exceeding the amplified-sound hours or the 70 dBA perimeter limit is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 under Sec. 22-8(a), and each night of continued noncompliance is a separate offense under Sec. 22-8(b). A bar within 300 feet of a pre-existing residence cannot cure a violation by lowering volume alone, since that proximity itself removes the Sec. 22-4(10) exemption.

Delivery Truck Noise

Irving bans loading and unloading noise near homes and businesses between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends. A separate exemption lets restaurants receive late deliveries only if they stay under 65 dBA and last under an hour.

Key details: Weekday restricted hours: 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Weekend restricted hours: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.. Restaurant delivery dBA cap: 65 dBA at nearest residence. Restaurant delivery time cap: under 1 hour. Fine: up to $500 per day.

A loading or unloading noise violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $500 under Sec. 22-8(a), with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense under Sec. 22-8(b). A restaurant delivery that exceeds the one-hour, 65 dBA or supply-type limits in the Sec. 22-4(9) exemption is treated as an ordinary violation of Sec. 22-3(a)(8).

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Irving Ch. 22 general noise provisions apply to HVAC equipment. Units must not produce unreasonably loud noise disturbing neighbors. Placement must comply with UDC setback requirements.

Key details: Specific HVAC Ordinance: None; general noise rules apply. Standard: Ch. 22 reasonableness + Table 22-1. Setbacks: Must comply with UDC. Commercial: International Mechanical Code applies. Max Fine: $500 per violation.

HVAC noise complaints handled under Ch. 22. Fines up to $500 if found unreasonably loud.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Irving gives residents more flexibility on hvac & mechanical noise.

The Bottom Line

Irving'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 Irving is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Irving's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.