Georgetown, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Georgetown, 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
- Governing section
- City Code § 8.16.070(A)-(B)
- Standard
- Disturbs a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities
- Covered devices
- Radios, boom boxes, instruments, amplifiers
- Outdoor venue permit
- Up to 1 year, non-residential zones only
- Penalty
- $100-$2,000, Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Georgetown bans radios, boom boxes, musical instruments, and other amplifying devices operated loudly enough to disturb a reasonable person, even below the chapter's decibel caps. Outdoor music venues need a temporary permit to exceed normal limits.
A.Prohibited noises. In addition to the other noise restrictions provided in this Chapter, no person shall make, cause, suffer, allow, or permit unreasonably loud noises in such a manner, or with such volume, intensity, or duration, so as to disturb a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. A noise for which the producer of the noise has a current and valid permit issued pursuant to Section 8.16.050 of this Chapter or which otherwise does not exceed the decibel level restrictions in this Chapter shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section. However, a decibel level measurement shall not be required for the enforcement of this Section.B.Included noises. This section is intended to apply to, but is not limited to, unreasonable noises in the form of: barking dogs; car alarms, vehicle exhaust, engine braking systems, radios, boom boxes, musical instruments, and other devices which reproduce or amplify sound
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
030. A decibel measurement is not required to enforce this section. Subsection (B) specifically lists car alarms, radios, boom boxes, musical instruments, and other sound-reproducing or amplifying devices among the included noises, along with any nighttime noise in a residential or noise-sensitive area audible beyond the real property line. 070. 050(A)(3) and (G)(1) to exceed the normal decibel ceilings in a non-residential zoning district, but that permit terminates on any change of ownership or operator and must be renewed annually.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 8.16.070 is enforced the same as any Chapter 8.16 offense: a Class C misdemeanor under Section 8.16.100 punishable by a $100.00 to $2,000.00 fine, or $200.00 to $2,000.00 for a repeat violator, with each day a separate offense. The Chief of Police issues the citation and may follow with an administrative stop order or, after continued violation, an administrative search warrant to seize offending equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to exceed a specific decibel number to get cited for loud music?
Can a bar or venue play amplified music outdoors in Georgetown?
What noise sources does the reasonable-person rule cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Georgetown
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Georgetown to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.