8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Travis County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Travis County has no countywide quiet hours ordinance for unincorporated areas. TX Penal Code 42.01(a)(5) disorderly conduct covers unreasonable noise, a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to $500. Sheriff responds to complaints.
Travis County does not regulate construction hours in unincorporated areas. TX counties lack zoning authority to impose work-hour limits. State disorderly conduct applies only to unreasonable nighttime noise affecting nearby residences.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (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:(1) an act is deemed to occur in a public place or near a pr...
Travis County relies on state law for barking dog complaints. TX Health & Safety Code 822.041 defines public nuisance dogs. Travis County Animal Control (via Austin Animal Center partnership) investigates chronic barking complaints in unincorporated areas.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (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:(1) an act is deemed to occur in a public place or near a pr...
Travis County has no leaf blower regulations for unincorporated areas. No countywide decibel, time-of-day, or equipment-type rules exist. Austin city ordinance does not extend to unincorporated county land.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
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 no...
Travis County does not have a dedicated amplified music ordinance for unincorporated areas. Loud outdoor music is enforced under TX Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct. Commercial venues near Lake Travis and Hill Country wineries often operate under TABC permit conditions.
Aircraft noise in Travis County is federally preempted under 49 USC 40103. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) operates under FAA Part 150 noise compatibility planning. Local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Travis County has no zoning so no commercial noise limits exist at the county level for unincorporated land. Quarries, concrete plants, and industrial sites are regulated by TCEQ permits. State disorderly conduct law applies for unreasonable noise affecting homes.
Vehicle noise in unincorporated Travis County is enforced under TX Transportation Code 547.604 requiring functioning mufflers and prohibiting excessive/unusual noise. No county decibel ordinance. DPS and Sheriff enforce on county roads.
Tex. Transp. Code Sec. 547.604
Sec. 547.604. MUFFLER REQUIRED. (a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise. (b) A person may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle.
1 cities in Travis County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Travis County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Travis County Ordinance Hub →