Amplified music rules in Denton, TX — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Denton Sec. 17-20 caps outdoor amplified events at 70 dBA measured at the event perimeter. The Fry Street entertainment district near UNT and the downtown courthouse square host the densest live music scene. Indoor venues must contain sound within the premises. No specific entertainment district noise exemption exists in the code.
Denton is known as a live music hub with venues concentrated along Fry Street near UNT campus and around the historic downtown courthouse square. Section 17-20 of the Denton Code of Ordinances governs all amplified music and sound. Outdoor amplified events must not exceed 70 dBA measured at the established event perimeter using A-weighted measurement over a minimum two-minute period. Indoor music venues must contain amplified sound within the premises so that it does not cause material distress to neighboring residents or businesses. There is no formal entertainment district exemption in the Denton noise code -- the same 70 dBA outdoor standard applies citywide. The city issues special event permits through the Special Events Division for festivals, block parties, and outdoor concerts, which may include specific noise conditions. UNT and TWU campus events on state property are subject to university policy rather than city ordinance. Complaints to Denton PD non-emergency at (940) 349-7919.
Class C misdemeanor. Fine up to $500 per offense. Repeat violations may affect venue permitting.
Denton, TX
Denton DDC Sec. 7.12 requires RVs and boats stored behind the front building line on paved surfaces. Occupancy prohibited. 72-hr temp driveway use.
Denton, TX
Denton restricts vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. One light commercial vehicle allowed behind front building line on paved surface.
Denton, TX
Denton has no citywide overnight street parking ban. The 72-hour limit and residential permit zones near UNT/TWU are the primary restrictions.
Denton, TX
Denton allows wood, masonry, iron, chain link, vinyl, and composite fencing. Tarps, pallets, and corrugated metal prohibited as permanent fencing.
Denton, TX
Denton requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 ft exposed height, with PE-stamped design. Drainage provisions required for all walls.
Denton, TX
Denton DDC Sec. 7.8 limits fences to 4 ft in front yards and 8 ft in side/rear yards. Corner lot sight triangle: 3 ft within 25 ft of corner.
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