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Houston, TX Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 30-16(6), Defenses
Effect
Aircraft/helicopter noise not prosecutable
Who regulates instead
FAA, not the city
Enforcing dept (other sound)
Admin & Regulatory Affairs Dept
Max fine (non-exempt sound)
$2,000 per hour

Summary

Houston's noise ordinance carves out aircraft noise: Sec. 30-16(6) makes it an affirmative defense that a sound was produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport, so helicopter noise isn't enforced under the city's dB(A) limits.

(6)The sound was produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport, or railroad equipment in operation on railroad rights-of-way operated in compliance with all applicable federal laws.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 30 sets citywide sound limits, 65 dB(A) daytime and 58 dB(A) nighttime at a residential property line, enforced by the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department, but Sec. 30-16 lists defenses to any charge under the chapter, and item (6) covers sound 'produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport.' That means helicopter noise, including tour flights, news choppers, medevac and police aircraft, cannot be prosecuted as a sound nuisance under the city code no matter how loud it is at the property line. Regulation of aircraft noise instead falls to the Federal Aviation Administration and airport-specific noise-abatement programs, not Houston's noise ordinance.

Violations & Fines

No local penalty applies to aircraft or helicopter noise. Sec. 30-16(6) is a complete defense. Only non-aircraft sound sources face Chapter 30's fines, up to $2,000 per hour under Sec. 30-17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Houston's noise ordinance cover helicopter noise?
No. City Code § 30-16(6) makes it an affirmative defense that a sound was 'produced by aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport,' so helicopter and airplane noise can't be prosecuted under Chapter 30.
Who do I contact about loud helicopter traffic?
Houston's Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department can't cite aircraft under the noise code: the FAA and the specific airport's noise-abatement office handle helicopter and airplane noise complaints instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsLight RestrictionsBarking DogsLight RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingFew RestrictionsNoise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm LimitsLight Restrictions

All Houston rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview

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