Noise from Specific Sources in San Antonio, TX (2026)
3 verified noise from specific sources rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
San Antonio's noise ordinance exempts air-conditioning units, heat pumps, and pool equipment from citation only when sound stays at or below 63 dBA on residential property or 70 dBA on non-residential property. The city measures from 15 feet away or the nearest exterior wall of a neighboring building, whichever is closer, under Code of Ordinances Sec. 21-55(6).
San Antonio HVAC Noise Exemption: 63 dBA Cap
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 21-55(6)
Sound produced by the operation of any air-conditioning unit, heat pump, or swimming pool machinery which does not produce a sound exceeding sixty-three (63) dBA on residential property or seventy (70) dBA on non-residential property, when measured at a distance of either fifteen (15) feet from the equipment producing the sound, or to the nearest exterior wall of a residential or commercial bui...
Bar & Nightclub Noise
San Antonio caps noise from entertainment-zoned property, the bars, nightclubs and live-music venues where amplified sound concentrates, at 85 decibels using the Leq averaging method, measured from an adjoining property under separate ownership. Sec. 21-52(a)(12) sets this ceiling well above the 63 to 72 dBA limits for residential, business and industrial zoning, but crossing it is still a citable noise nuisance under Chapter 21.
San Antonio Bar and Nightclub Noise Limit: 85 dBA
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 21-52(a)(12)
The making of noise which exceeds eighty-five (85) decibels using the Leq method of noise measure for noise emanating from entertainment zoned property as defined by chapter 35 (Unified Development Code), when measured from property under separate ownership. Any adjacent property owned, leased, controlled or managed by any person or entity or any affiliate that directly or indirectly controls, ...
Car Alarm Limits
San Antonio classifies the continued or frequent sounding of a car horn, alarm or other vehicle signal device as a noise nuisance under City Code Sec. 21-52(a)(4), unless the horn is being used as a genuine danger signal. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor enforced by the housing and neighborhood services director's noise abatement officers.
San Antonio Vehicle Horn and Alarm Noise
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 21-52(a), Sec. 21-52(a)(4)
(a)The following acts, among others not hereinafter enumerated, are declared to be "noise nuisances," and are unlawful and in violation of the provisions of this division when such acts are done or accomplished or carried on in such a manner, or with such volume, intensity, or with continued duration, so as to annoy, to distress, or to disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of a person of reason...
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in Bexar County →