Houston, TX Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential AC cap
- 65 dB(A) at property line
- Nonresidential AC cap
- 75 dB(A) at property line
- Legal status
- Affirmative defense, not a proactive limit
- Max fine
- $2,000 per hour of violation
- Enforcing agency
- Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department
Summary
Under Houston's noise ordinance, an air conditioning unit that stays at or below 65 dB(A) on residential property or 75 dB(A) on nonresidential property is a legal defense to a Chapter 30 noise citation.
The sound was produced by the operation of any air conditioning unit that did not produce a sound exceeding 65 dB(A) on residential property or 75 dB(A) on nonresidential property, when measured from the property line of the non-residential or residential property where the sound is received to the source of the sound.
Full Breakdown
Houston's general noise code (Chapter 30) caps sound at 65 dB(A) daytime and 58 dB(A) nighttime on residential property and 68 dB(A) on nonresidential property at all times. Air conditioning units get their own carve-out: Code of Ordinances Sec. 30-16(9) makes it an affirmative defense to a noise citation that the AC unit did not exceed 65 dB(A) measured from the residential property line, or 75 dB(A) from the nonresidential property line -- a higher allowance than the general commercial limit. Violations are enforced by the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department under Chapter 30's citation process.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 30's noise limits is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000, with each hour of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Houston limit how loud my AC unit can be?
Is 75 dB(A) higher than Houston's normal commercial noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle hvac & mechanical noise.