Garland, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Garland, TX, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Patio/restaurant Cutoff Typically
- Patio/restaurant cutoff typically 10 PM weekdays, 11 PM weekends
- Special-event Permit Required
- Special-event permit required for amplified outdoor concerts
- Property-line dBA Limits
- Property-line dBA limits and 'plainly audible' standard both apply
- Officers may Order
- Officers may order amplifiers turned down on scene
- Fines up to
- Fines up to $500 per violation
Summary
Outdoor amplified music in Garland - including at the Granville Arts Center plaza, restaurants, and Firewheel Town Center events - is regulated by Chapter 32 noise rules and special-event permits.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (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 ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Outdoor music in Garland must not exceed property-line noise limits (roughly 65 dBA daytime, 55-60 dBA at night). Restaurants and bars with patios in Downtown Garland and Firewheel Town Center commonly limit live music to 10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday and 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday. Special events at the Granville Arts Center, Central Park, or Lake Ray Hubbard parks require a city special-event permit that addresses sound levels, end times, and speaker orientation. Amplified bass-heavy music drawing complaints can be cited even if dBA levels are within limits, under the 'plainly audible' standard. Fines run up to $500 per offense and police may require equipment to be turned down or off on the spot.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Garland code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard band in Garland?
How late can Firewheel restaurants play outdoor music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.