Noise Rules: Katy vs Sugar Land
How do noise rules rules compare between Katy, TX and Sugar Land, TX?
Katy has fewer restrictions than Sugar Land.
Katy, TX
Fort Bend County
Katy STR Article 4.10 (adopted Mar 27, 2023) makes operators civilly and criminally liable for guest noise. Citywide Article 8.04 prohibits sound plainly audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
View full Katy rules →Sugar Land, TX
Fort Bend County
Short-term rental guests in Sugar Land are subject to the same noise ordinance as all residents under Sec. 3-101. Amplified sound plainly audible in another dwelling is a violation. STR operators with CUPs may face additional conditions imposed by City Council regarding noise management.
View full Sugar Land rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Katy | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. | - |
| Standard | Plainly audible at 50 feet | Reasonable person / audibility |
| STR Owner Liability | Owner liable for guest acts | - |
| STR Permit | Revocable for repeat violations | - |
| Noncompliance Fine | $500 | - |
| Enforcement | Katy PD + Code Enforcement | - |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 3-101 |
| CUP Conditions | - | May include noise terms |
| Max Fine | - | Up to $2,000/offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Katy FAQ
Are STR guests in Katy bound by the city noise ordinance?
Yes. Article 8.04 applies to anyone in the city, and Article 4.10 makes the STR owner civilly and criminally liable even if the guest causes the violation.
What are the quiet hours for a Katy short-term rental?
11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Sound from radios, instruments, or other devices that is plainly audible 50 feet away during those hours violates Article 8.04.
Can my STR permit be revoked over noise complaints?
Yes. Article 4.10 authorizes permit revocation for repeated code violations, and noise citations under Article 8.04 count toward that record.
Sugar Land FAQ
Are there special noise rules for Airbnb guests in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land applies the same noise ordinance (Sec. 3-101) to all residents and visitors. Amplified sound audible in another dwelling is a violation. CUP conditions may add stricter requirements for STR operators.
Can an STR permit be revoked for noise complaints?
Yes. Repeated violations of CUP conditions, including noise complaints, can result in revocation proceedings before City Council.
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