7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Harris County has no quiet hours ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack authority to enact comprehensive noise ordinances. TX Penal Code §42.01 (Disorderly Conduct) is the only enforcement tool, covering unreasonable noise near a private residence.
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.
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;...
Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health (VPH) division handles animal complaints in unincorporated areas. Dogs must be kept under restraint at all times. Persistent barking may be addressed as a nuisance under county animal regulations or TX Penal Code §42.01.
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.
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...
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.
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...
Harris County has significant aircraft operations from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Field. FAA preempts local regulation. The Houston Airport System manages noise programs.
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.
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...
8 cities in Harris County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
7 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
6 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
6 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
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