Noise Ordinances in Harris County, TX (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Construction Hours

Harris County has no construction hour restrictions in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack authority to regulate construction timing. Construction may occur at any hour unless restricted by subdivision deed restrictions or HOA covenants.

Harris County Construction Hours (Unincorporated)

Few Restrictions

Tex. Penal Code Ch. 42 (Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses)

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;...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Leaf Blower Rules

Harris County has no leaf blower regulations in unincorporated areas. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are completely unrestricted at the county level. Only subdivision deed restrictions or HOA rules may impose private limitations.

Harris County Leaf Blower Rules (Unincorporated)

Few Restrictions

Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2), (d) (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 the n...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Harris County has no amplified music ordinance for unincorporated areas. No county-level sound permits, decibel limits, or event noise restrictions exist. TX Penal Code §42.01 is the only recourse for unreasonable noise.

Harris County Amplified Music Rules (Unincorporated)

Few Restrictions

Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2), (d) (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 the n...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Decibel Limits

Industrial noise in unincorporated Harris County is addressed through the county's nuisance provisions. The Houston-Galveston area's large petrochemical industry generates significant industrial noise in some areas.

Harris County Industrial Noise

Light Restrictions

Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2), (d) (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 the n...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗