Longview, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Longview, 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
- Audibility limit
- 100 feet from a residence
- Max fine
- $500 per day (Sec. 1-4)
- Enforcement
- Longview Police Department
- Special-event exception
- Requires Parks Director permit
- Citation
- Sec. 58-21(b)(6)-(7)
Summary
Longview bars outdoor speakers, musical instruments, or amplification equipment once they're audible within 100 feet of any home, apartment, or hotel, with narrow exceptions for permitted special events and parades.
the outdoor use of a mechanical loudspeaker, calliope, mechanically operated piano, organ, musical instrument or other sound amplification or broadcasting equipment, whether stationary or mobile, emitting sound capable of being heard within 100 feet of a private home, apartment building, hotel, or other place of residence;
(8) the demolition, repair, or alteration of a motor vehicle or part thereof in connection with which there is produced any noise which is offensive to inhabitants in the vicinity or which substantially impairs the use of enjoyment of adjacent property;
(9) the use or operation of any device that is equipped on any motor vehicle, designed to aid in the braking, decompression, or deceleration which results in the excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise from such vehicle.
(c) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to:
(1) an official of federal, state, or local government or to members of the United States armed forces engaged in the performance of official duties;
(2) persons engaged in the present performance or rendition of emergency services;
(3) special events conducted in park or recreation areas pursuant to a special event permit authorized by the Parks Director;
(4) public parades duly permitted;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: June 2026: This code is current through Ordinances 4635 passed 06.25.26).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 58's noise ordinance makes it unlawful to use, outdoors, a mechanical loudspeaker, calliope, piano, organ, musical instrument, or other sound amplification or broadcasting equipment, stationary or mobile, once the sound can be heard within 100 feet of a private home, apartment building, hotel, or other residence. A companion clause separately bars outdoor drums, instruments, or loudspeakers used to attract attention to a performance, show, sales event, or merchandise display near a place of business. Exceptions cover Parks Director-permitted special events, permitted parades, and outdoor speeches or ceremonies held at least 100 feet from a residential district with sound not audible past the property line. Longview Police enforce the section through municipal court.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 58-21 falls under the Code's general penalty clause (Sec. 1-4): a fine up to $500, with each day of continued noise a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified outdoor music at a private event in Longview?
What's the penalty for violating Longview's outdoor noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longview
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Longview to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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