Richardson, TX Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise Ordinance
- Noise ordinance applies to HVAC equipment
- Residential Daytime
- Residential daytime about 60-65 dBA at property line
- Lower Nighttime
- Lower nighttime limits (55-60 dBA)
- Complaints Investigated
- Complaints investigated with dBA meter
- Mitigation
- Mitigation: blanket, barrier, relocation, upgrade
Summary
Richardson regulates HVAC equipment noise under its general noise ordinance, which sets dBA limits at the property line that vary by zone and time of day. New equipment installations must be sited to comply with these limits, especially at night in residential areas.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(3) creates, by chemical means, a noxious and unreasonable odor in a public place;(4) abuses or threatens a person in a public place in an obviously offensive manner;(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;(6) fights with another in
Full Breakdown
Richardson's noise ordinance applies to stationary equipment including residential and commercial HVAC condensers, mini-splits, rooftop units, and exhaust fans. Residential zones typically allow up to 60-65 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and a lower nighttime limit of 55-60 dBA measured at the receiving property line. Commercial and industrial zones carry higher daytime allowances. Installers should factor in equipment-rated sound power levels, distance, and obstacles when siting units near residential property lines. Common remedies for complaints include adding a sound blanket, relocating the unit, installing a sound barrier, or replacing with a quieter variable-speed unit. Code enforcement responds to complaints and can take decibel readings. Continued violations can result in citations that escalate to municipal court. Mechanical permit inspections do not generally measure noise, so compliance is the owner's responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my AC unit be at night?
My neighbor's HVAC is too loud. What do I do?
Will a permit inspection catch noise issues?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas noise from specific sources overview
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