Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 caps construction equipment noise at the property line and limits powered construction work to permitted daytime hours. The general construction noise standard is roughly 85 dBA at fifty feet, with stricter rules near residential property and at night.
Austin's noise ordinance under City Code Chapter 9-2 sets daytime hours when powered construction may operate (generally 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with weekend variations) and caps construction-equipment sound at the property line. The general construction equipment standard is roughly 85 dBA measured at fifty feet from the source, and stricter ambient-difference limits apply near residential receptors. Impact tools and pile driving carry additional restrictions. Site superintendents must control idling, backup alarms, and amplified communications. Variances are available through the Austin Center for Events for unusual schedules. Austin Code Department and Austin Police share enforcement; complaints route through 311. Federal OSHA worker-noise rules apply separately to operator hearing protection.
Operating construction equipment outside permitted hours or above the property-line decibel cap is a Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 9-2 with fines up to five hundred dollars per offense, escalating per occurrence, plus potential stop-work orders on persistent violators.
See how Austin's construction equipment noise rules stack up against other locations.
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