Noise Ordinances in DeSoto, TX (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for DeSoto, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
DeSoto Code of Ordinances Chapter 42 (Offenses/Nuisances) establishes nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and until 8:00 a.m. on weekends. Sound audible at a distance of 50 feet from the property line during these hours is a Class C misdemeanor.
DeSoto Quiet Hours Ordinance
Some 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 ...
Construction Hours
DeSoto restricts construction noise to 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday under Chapter 42 and the adopted International Building Code. Sunday and holiday construction requires a special permit from Development Services.
DeSoto Construction Hours Ordinance
Some 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
DeSoto Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) prohibits any dog from barking, howling, or whining continuously for 15 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes in a way that disturbs neighbors. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor.
DeSoto Barking Dog Ordinance
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
DeSoto does not impose decibel caps or gas-blower bans. Leaf blowers fall under the general Chapter 42 noise ordinance and may be used during the 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daytime window.
DeSoto Leaf Blower Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Unreasonable Noise - State Framework)
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...
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified sound from speakers, DJs, bands, or vehicles is regulated under Chapter 42 Article III. Sound plainly audible at 50 feet during day or 30 feet after 10 p.m. is prohibited. Special event permits are required for outdoor amplified music.
DeSoto Amplified Music Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(c)(2) (Amplified Sound - 85 dB Standard)
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...
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration (49 U.S.C. §40103) and cannot be regulated by DeSoto. The nearest airports are Dallas Executive (RBD) to the north and DFW International; complaints go to FAA or airport noise offices.
DeSoto Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial and commercial noise is regulated under Chapter 42 and DeSoto's zoning code (Chapter 54). Operations in I-1 and I-2 zones must keep sound below 75 dBA at residential property lines during day and 65 dBA at night.
DeSoto Industrial Noise Ordinance
Some 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 ...
Decibel Limits
DeSoto uses both audibility ('plainly audible at 50 feet') and decibel standards. Residential receiving-zone limits are 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night; commercial 70 dBA; industrial 75 dBA day / 65 dBA night at the receiving property line.
DeSoto Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music at homes is subject to the same Chapter 42 audibility rules; commercial outdoor music (patios, amphitheaters) requires a Special Event Permit or Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission.
DeSoto Outdoor Music Rules
Some 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 ...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement DeSoto city rules.
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