Noise Ordinances in Houston, TX (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 sets residential sound limits of 65 dBA daytime and 58 dBA nighttime, measured at the property line. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 8 AM. The 2022 amendments doubled maximum fines to $2,000.
Houston Quiet Hours & Sound Level Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTex. Penal Code § 42.01
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 peace;...
Construction Hours
Houston exempts construction and demolition work, including all tools and equipment, from its noise ordinance only between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and only if sound stays under 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential property line.
Houston Construction Noise: 85 dB(A), 7 AM-8 PM
Some RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances § 30-16(5)
The sound was produced by the erection, excavation, construction, or demolition of any building or structure, including the use of any necessary tools or equipment, conducted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., which activity did not produce a sound exceeding 85 dB(A) when measured from the property line of the residential property where the sound is being received.
Barking Dogs
Houston regulates barking dogs under both Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl) and Chapter 30 (Noise). Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. BARC and HPD both handle complaints.
Houston Barking Dog Ordinance
Light 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: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if...
Leaf Blower Rules
Houston does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers. Leaf blower noise must comply with Chapter 30 sound limits of 65 dBA residential daytime and 58 dBA nighttime. Use during quiet hours (10 PM to 8 AM) may trigger citations.
Houston Leaf Blower Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code § 42.01
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 peace;...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Houston requires amplified sound permits for outdoor music within 300 feet of a residence. Permits allow up to 75 dBA. Options include Daily, Extended Daily, Annual, and Commercial Establishment permits issued by the ARA Department.
Houston Amplified Sound Permit Requirements
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code § 42.01
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 peace;...
Aircraft Noise
Houston's noise ordinance carves out aircraft noise: Sec. 30-16(6) makes it an affirmative defense that a sound was produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport, so helicopter noise isn't enforced under the city's dB(A) limits.
Houston Exempts Aircraft and Helicopter Noise
Few RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances § 30-16(6)
(6)The sound was produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport, or railroad equipment in operation on railroad rights-of-way operated in compliance with all applicable federal laws.
Decibel Limits
Houston Code Chapter 30 regulates industrial noise through property-line decibel limits. Industrial and commercial properties must not exceed 68 dB(A) daytime and 58 dB(A) nighttime as measured at the receiving residential property line.
Houston Industrial Noise Standards
Light RestrictionsTex. Penal Code § 42.01
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 peace;...
Vehicle Noise
Houston bans noisy vehicles with broken exhausts and mufflers, and bans vehicle stereo or speaker sound that is plainly audible 50 feet away or disturbs neighbors, under Chapter 30.
Houston Bans Loud Mufflers and Car Stereos
Some RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances §§ 30-4, 30-7
Sec. 30-4: It is unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle so out of repair or so loaded that it creates any loud and unreasonable grating, grinding, rattling, or squeaking sound... Sec. 30-7: It is unlawful for any person to ... permit the continuance of any sound using any sound amplifier ... radio, stereo receiver ... in a vehicle that, when operated disturbs the peace, q...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Harris County →