Noise Ordinances in Baytown, TX (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for Baytown, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Baytown enforces noise regulations under its Code of Ordinances. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM in residential areas. Located near major ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips refineries, industrial ambient noise affects neighborhoods along the Houston Ship Channel.
Baytown Quiet Hours Ordinance
Light RestrictionsTex. 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:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the p...
Construction Hours
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) regulates construction noise in residential areas. Construction activities producing loud noise are restricted during nighttime hours. The city does not have a standalone construction hours ordinance but addresses disruptive construction through its general nuisance provisions. Baytown Police Department at (281) 422-8371 handles noise complaints including construction-related disturbances.
Baytown Construction Hours
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(c)(2) (85 dB Presumptive Unreasonable Noise)
a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless committed under Subsection (a)(7) or (a)(8), in which event it is a Class B misdemeanor.(e) It is a defense to prosecution for...
Barking Dogs
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) addresses barking dogs as a nuisance. A dog that barks, howls, or makes excessive noise continuously for an extended period that disturbs the comfort and repose of neighbors is considered a nuisance animal. Baytown Animal Control handles complaints and can issue citations to dog owners who fail to address chronic barking.
Baytown Barking Dog Regulations
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct - includes Unreasonable Noise)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the p...
Leaf Blower Rules
Baytown lets residents run leaf blowers, lawnmowers, saws and other power lawn tools only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and only if the tool stays under 90 dB(A) measured from the neighboring residential property, under the Sec. 34-366(6) exception to the city's noise code.
Baytown Leaf Blower & Lawn Tool Hours
Light RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 34-366(6)
Sound produced by operating or permitting the operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, router, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawnmower, or any other similar device used between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., provided the device did not produce a sound exceeding 90 dB(A) when measured from residential property where the sound is being received and was used for the mainten...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA systems, live bands, and DJ equipment that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more beyond the property line where it originates may constitute a violation. Special events require permits from the city.
Baytown Amplified Music & Sound Regulations
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct - includes Unreasonable Noise)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the p...
Decibel Limits
Baytown sets hard decibel ceilings for noise reaching residential property: 75 dB(A) between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., dropping to 65 dB(A) the rest of the time, under Sec. 34-363. A sharp, impulse-type sound counts as a violation once it's 15 dB(A) above the ambient baseline or above 40 dB(A).
Baytown Noise Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 34-363
it shall be prima facie evidence that a sound unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in violation of section 34-362 when an activity or sound source produces an impulse noise (i) with a dB(A) level more than 15 dB(A) above the greater of the measured baseline noise or 40 dB(A) or (ii) with the following maximum dB(A) levels:(1)75 dB(...
Vehicle Noise
Baytown's noise code bans honking a horn while parked except as a danger signal, forbids driving a car so out of repair it grinds or rattles loudly, and outright prohibits using an engine-exhaust (Jake) brake anywhere in the city, under Sec. 34-365.
Baytown Vehicle Horn & Engine Brake Noise
Some RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 34-365(1),(5),(8)
(1)Horns and signaling devices. The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle while not in motion, except as a danger signal; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound, and the sounding of such device for any unnecessary or unreasonable period of time...(5)Automobile, motorcycle or vehicle out of re...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Baytown city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Harris County →