Noise Ordinances in Arlington, TX (2026)
6 verified noise ordinances for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Barking Dogs
Arlington treats persistent barking, howling, or yelping as a public nuisance under Chapter 22 (Noise) and Chapter 5 (Animals). A dog that barks continuously for an extended period, or intermittently over a longer stretch, in a way that disturbs neighbors can trigger citations to the owner. Enforcement runs through Animal Services and Code Compliance, with Ask Arlington 311 as the intake channel.
Arlington Barking Dog Rules
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the no...
Leaf Blower Rules
Arlington does not have a standalone leaf blower ordinance or decibel cap specific to blowers. Gas and electric blowers are legal to operate, but they are subject to the general noise limits in Chapter 22 and the construction-hour conventions (roughly 7 AM to 10 PM near residential areas). Commercial landscapers servicing HOAs around Viridian, Highlands, and Dalworthington Gardens must observe neighborhood quiet hours.
Arlington Leaf Blower Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the no...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Outdoor amplified music in Arlington requires compliance with Chapter 22 (Noise) and, for venues or events, specific use permits or special event permits. Entertainment District venues around AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live!, Choctaw Stadium, and the surrounding bars operate under site-specific agreements. Residential backyard parties are held to the plainly-audible standard and the 10 PM common courtesy hour.
Arlington Outdoor Music Rules
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the no...
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise in Arlington is governed almost entirely by the Federal Aviation Administration, not by the city. DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field, Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY), and Grand Prairie Airport all generate overflights, and because 49 U.S.C. Section 40103 and FAA regulations preempt local control of airspace, Arlington cannot impose curfews or altitude rules on aircraft operations.
Arlington Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsFAA Aviation Noise Policy & Guidance
Aviation Noise. The FAA conducted a nationwide survey regarding annoyance related to aircraft noise. [...] Almost 2.6 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. Aviation supports 10.6 million American jobs, and moved 39.9 billion pounds of freight in 2016. Along with these benefits, the airplanes that move all these people and products may also disturb those living or working...
Decibel Limits
Industrial noise in Arlington is regulated through Chapter 22 (Noise) and the zoning ordinance. Facilities in Light Industrial (LI) and Industrial Manufacturing (IM) districts near Great Southwest Parkway, Avenue E, and the SH 360 corridor must not produce noise that exceeds nuisance limits at the boundary of adjacent residential or commercial districts. Continuous process noise, truck loading, and rooftop equipment are the typical enforcement targets.
Arlington Industrial Noise
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the no...
Vehicle Noise
Arlington sets no municipal decibel or distance limit for car stereos or vehicle sound systems. Loud vehicle audio is enforced as "unreasonable noise" under the city's Nuisance Chapter, which adopts Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(5).
Arlington vehicle noise: no city decibel limit
Light RestrictionsCode of the City of Arlington, Texas, Nuisance Chapter, Art. II, Sec. 2.03(M) (Noise)
M. Noise. 1. The keeping of any animal or bird which, by causing frequent or long-continued noise disturbs the peace and quiet of persons in the neighborhood or the occupants of adjacent premises who have and possess normal nervous sensibilities. 2. Any condition prohibited by the Texas Penal Code, Section 42.01(a)(5), as amended.
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Tarrant County →