Georgetown, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

Georgetown regulates amplified music through its Noise Control ordinance (Chapter 8.16). Amplified sound is held to the decibel maximums in Section 8.16.030: in residential areas and abutting rights-of-way the limit is 63 decibels in the daytime and 56 decibels at night, with higher caps on commercial property (70 day / 63 night) and industrial property (72 day / 65 night); where categories overlap, the lowest maximum applies. For organized events, the City requires that amplified sound be authorized under a valid Special Event Permit and that it comply with Section 8.16.030 of the Noise Control Code, meaning event operators cannot rely on a permit to exceed the underlying decibel limits unless the permit itself allows it. Loud music is also among the examples the City lists for noise complaints handled by the non-emergency police line, and Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 provides a state backstop for unreasonable noise near a residence (with an 85-decibel presumption after notice). Because the noise ordinance's exemptions in Section 8.16.080 were being amended in 2025, event hosts and venues should confirm current amplified-sound and permit conditions with the City before scheduling.