Sherman, TX Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Sherman addresses delivery-truck noise through two paragraphs of § 8.07.003(b) in the Sherman Code of Ordinances, adopted by the City Council as Ordinance 6216 on 5/20/19. Paragraph (5) covers loading operations: the loading or unloading of any vehicle in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance. It has no fixed hours or decibel number. The code's definition of noise disturbance, any sound which annoys or disturbs a reasonable, prudent adult person or interferes with public peace and comfort, is the test, and the rule applies to any vehicle, so delivery vans, box trucks and semis are all covered.

Paragraph (14) is a hard numeric limit aimed at reefer units. It is unlawful for the owner or person in control of any refrigerated-type truck or trailer to allow it to be parked for a period in excess of two hours within 200 feet of a residential structure. Subparagraph (B) extends liability to the business: the owner or person in control of any motel, truck stop or similar commercial activity cannot authorize, permit or acquiesce to parking in violation of the two-hour, 200-foot rule. No noise measurement is needed to prove it.

Nearby paragraphs add timing rules for other heavy vehicles. Refuse-compacting, processing or collection vehicles in a residential district or quiet zone, or within 500 feet of a residence or quiet zone, create a noise disturbance per se between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles so loaded or out of repair that they emit loud grinding or rasping noise are covered by paragraph (9), with per se hours of 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in residential areas and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in nonresidential districts. Emergency vehicle sirens and public utility work are exempt under § 8.07.004. A variance for hardship can be requested from the assistant city manager under § 8.07.006.