Noise Ordinances in Austin, TX (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes citywide quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, during which sound plainly audible across a property line in residential districts is prohibited. The Austin Police Department and Austin Code Department enforce, with Class C misdemeanor citations up to $500 per offense.
Austin Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Austin does not ban gas leaf blowers, but their use is governed by the general noise ordinance in City Code Chapter 9-2. Leaf blower operation is restricted during nighttime hours and must not exceed residential decibel limits, with enforcement by Austin Code and APD.
Austin Leaf Blower Rules
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
As the self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World, Austin has detailed amplified sound rules in City Code Chapter 9-2. Outdoor amplified music requires a permit, with decibel caps and cutoff times that are stricter in residential areas and around the Red River Cultural District and downtown entertainment zones.
Austin Amplified Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct - Unreasonable Noise)
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 n...
Aircraft Noise
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) aircraft noise is regulated exclusively by the FAA under federal law, preempting local decibel ordinances. The City of Austin Department of Aviation runs a voluntary noise abatement program and publishes a noise complaint portal for residents under flight paths.
Austin Aircraft Noise Rules
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 sets industrial noise limits at 75 dB(A) during daytime and 70 dB(A) at night, measured at the property line of the receiving property. Industrial facilities in IP (Industrial Park) and MI (Major Industry) zones must also comply with site development permit noise conditions.
Austin Industrial Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes decibel limits by zoning district and time of day: 75 dB(A) daytime and 70 dB(A) nighttime in residential, up to 85 dB(A) in commercial, and higher in permitted entertainment districts. Measurements are taken at the property line with Type 1 or Type 2 sound meters.
Austin Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2) (Disorderly Conduct - Unreasonable Noise)
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: (1) an act is deemed to occur in a public place or near...
Outdoor Music
Austin requires an Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) permit for any commercial property hosting outdoor amplified music. Permits specify decibel caps, cutoff times, and stage orientation, and residential outdoor music is generally prohibited after 10:00 PM under Chapter 9-2.
Austin Outdoor Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct)
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 n...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Travis County →