Pharr, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Pharr, 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
- Residential daytime limit
- 80 dB(A)
- Residential nighttime limit
- 75 dB(A)
- Nonresidential limit
- 85 dB(A) at all times
- Civil penalty
- up to $1,000/day
- Reach
- enforced 5,000 ft outside city limits
Summary
Amplified and live music in Pharr must stay under 80 dB(A) by day and 75 dB(A) by night at residential property lines, with a flat 85 dB(A) cap on commercial property.
it is unlawful for any person to make, assist in making, permit, continue, cause to be made or continued, or permit the continuance of any sound at any location beyond the property lines of the property on which the sound is being generated that when measured as provided in subsection (e) of this article exceeds the applicable dB(A) level listed below for the property on which the sound is received:
(1) Residential property:
a. Eighty dB(A) during daytime hours;
b. Seventy-five dB(A) during nighttime hours.
(2) Nonresidential property: Eighty-five dB(A) at all times.
(d) Any sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels set forth in this article under the conditions and measurement criteria set forth in this article is a violation of this article. Evidence that an activity or sound source produces a sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels specified in this section shall be prima facie evidence of a sound that unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in violation of this article.
(e) Method of sound measurement. Whenever portions of this article prohibit sound over a certain decibel limit, measurement shall be made with a type 1 or type 2 calibrated sound level meter utilizing the A-weighting scale and the slow meter response as specified by the American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I. S1.4-1984/85A). Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to provide a proper representation of the sound being
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Pharr's noise article bans playing any musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device that produces or amplifies sound in a way that disturbs a reasonable person, and separately sets numeric limits: sound crossing onto residential property can't exceed 80 dB(A) in daytime or 75 dB(A) at night, measured at the property line with a calibrated sound meter. Nonresidential property has an 85 dB(A) cap around the clock. City-sponsored outdoor celebrations, permitted parades, and scheduled public stadium events are carved out as exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor plus a civil penalty of $1,000.00 per day; the city attorney can also seek abatement or suspend/revoke any city permit or license tied to the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a curfew for outdoor live music in Pharr?
Are outdoor festivals or concerts exempt?
How is a violation measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pharr
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pharr to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.