Sherman, TX Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Downtown exemption, Mon to Thu
- 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Downtown exemption, Friday
- 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Downtown exemption, Saturday
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Quiet zone distance
- Within 500 feet of residential, school or hospital property
- Special events variance
- Up to seven days, fee set by city council
- Maximum fine
- $500.00 per day under § 8.07.008
Summary
In the City of Sherman, Texas, properties and persons in the downtown district are exempt from prosecution under the main noise sections during stated hours, running until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Outside that window the Chapter 8 noise article applies, with a fine up to $500.00 for each day of violation.
§ 4.14.036. Downtown district. ... (c) Exemption from certain noise ordinances.Properties and persons located within the downtown district shall be exempt from prosecution under sections 8.07.003, 8.07.004, 8.07.005, and 8.07.011 for activities occurring during the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Full Breakdown
Sherman handles bar and nightclub sound through two pieces of the Code of Ordinances. The first is § 4.14.036, inside the alcoholic beverages article, which sets up a downtown district around the Mulberry and Walnut Streets area described in subsection (a). Subsection (c) exempts properties and persons in that district from prosecution under sections 8.07.003, 8.07.004, 8.07.005 and 8.07.011 for activity during these hours: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday. Activity outside those windows is not covered by the exemption on its terms.
The second piece is Article 8.07, the noise article. Section 8.07.003(a) forbids any unreasonably loud or disturbing noise that offends a reasonable, prudent adult or interferes with public peace and comfort. For sound devices, subsection (b)(2)(B) reaches amplified sound in a nonresidential area that causes a noise disturbance. In a quiet zone, defined as territory within 500 feet of a residential district or of a school, college, hospital, clinic or library, subsection (b)(2)(A) makes sound activity a noise disturbance per se between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 11:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Subsections (b)(2)(E) and (F) separately address outdoor amplified sound in the Historic Downtown illustration area between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and indoor sources audible outdoors there. Acoustic, non-amplified instruments are not a disturbance between 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. under (E).
A lawfully scheduled musical performance in full compliance with city permits is an affirmative defense under § 8.07.005. For a one-off event, the assistant city manager or a designee can issue a special events noise variance under § 8.07.006(b) for up to seven days without proof of hardship, for a fee set by city council. A denied applicant can request a hearing before the city manager, in writing, within ten days under § 8.07.007.
Serving hours sit in § 4.14.034: mixed beverage sales run until midnight, and a late hours permit holder can sell between midnight and 2:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Under § 8.07.008 a violation of the noise article is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00, and each day a violation occurs or continues is a separate offense. The State of mind of the offender is not an element: allegation and evidence of a culpable mental state is not required. Section 8.07.009 also lets the city seek injunctive relief on top of those penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do downtown Sherman bars have a noise cutoff?
What is a per se noise disturbance near a Sherman bar?
Can a Sherman venue get a permit for a loud event?
What is the penalty for a noise violation in Sherman?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sherman
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sherman to another location·View the Texas noise from specific sources overview
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