Burleson, TX Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Burleson Code of Ordinances § 34-191(d)(2) paragraphs d and f
- Residential limit
- 70 dBA daytime, 60 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Measurement
- At least 30 seconds, from the complainant's property line
- Maximum fine
- $2,000.00 for each event or violation
- Decibel reading needed
- Not required for unreasonable noise under § 34-191(d)(1)
- Enforced by
- City manager's designee, code officers, Burleson police officers
Summary
In the City of Burleson, Texas, Burleson Code of Ordinances § 34-191(d)(2) prohibits music played with a volume or bass that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of people in any dwelling, hotel or residence. It also prohibits playing music in a vehicle with such volume or bass. Neither paragraph prints a bass-specific decibel figure.
(2) This subsection is intended to apply to, but is not limited to, unreasonable noises in the form of: ... d. Music. ... The playing of any music or musical instrument in such manner or with such volume or base (particularly during the nighttime hours described in subsection (c) restriction on decibel levels above) as to annoy or to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence. ... f. Operation of motor vehicles. The revving of any engine, the playing of any music with such volume or bass, or the operation of any vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such a manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, jarring, rattling, or squealing noise or vibrations.
Full Breakdown
Burleson regulates bass through Article V of Chapter 34, the city's noise article. Two paragraphs of § 34-191(d)(2) name bass directly. Paragraph d covers music or a musical instrument played with a volume or bass that disturbs persons of ordinary sensibilities in any dwelling, hotel or other residence, and it points to the nighttime hours in the decibel table in subsection (c). Paragraph f covers motor vehicles: playing music with such volume or bass, revving an engine, or running a vehicle in a way that creates grating, grinding, jarring, rattling or squealing noise or vibrations.
Because § 34-191(d)(1) says a decibel level is not required to enforce the unreasonable-noise provisions, an officer in the City of Burleson can act on how the sound affects a reasonable person. The standard in § 34-191(a)(3) is that a noise becomes a nuisance when it disturbs a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities at the property line of the complainant.
Separately, subsection (c) sets presumptive limits that are prima facie evidence of a public nuisance. Next to agricultural, single-family, two-family, multi-family and manufactured housing districts the limit is 70 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 60 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Commercial districts are 80 dBA by day and 70 dBA at night, and the industrial district is 85 dBA and 75 dBA. In the Old Town overlay area zoned central commercial, Friday and Saturday daytime runs to 2:00 a.m. at 85 dBA. A reading must last at least 30 seconds, is taken from the complainant's property line, and the highest registered reading decides the violation.
A restaurant escapes the ordinance only if its amplified sound stops after 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and stays at or below 70 dBA or 75 dBC at the property perimeter, under § 34-191(i)(2). Enforcement belongs to the city manager's designee, code officers and Burleson police officers, and a citizen witness can file a sworn statement for municipal prosecution.
Violations & Fines
An offense under § 34-191 is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000.00 for each event or violation. Each occurrence, or each day a violation continues, is a separate offense. A violation is also a nuisance, so the City of Burleson can abate it, including through injunctive or other civil relief, and the municipal court has civil jurisdiction under Government Code § 30.00005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Burleson set a decibel limit for car stereo bass?
What counts as too much bass from a house or party in the City of Burleson?
Can a neighbor report bass noise in Burleson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burleson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Burleson to another location·View the Texas noise from specific sources overview
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