Houston, TX Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Houston, TX, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. only
- Noise cap
- 85 dB(A) at residential property line
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 30-16(5)
- Max fine
- $2,000 per hour of violation
- Applies to
- erection, excavation, construction, demolition work
Summary
Houston exempts construction and demolition work, including all tools and equipment, from its noise ordinance only between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and only if sound stays under 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential property line.
The sound was produced by the erection, excavation, construction, or demolition of any building or structure, including the use of any necessary tools or equipment, conducted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., which activity did not produce a sound exceeding 85 dB(A) when measured from the property line of the residential property where the sound is being received.
Full Breakdown
Houston's noise chapter bans excessive sound citywide, but Section 30-16(5) gives builders a specific defense: erecting, excavating, constructing or demolishing a building, using any tools or equipment necessary, is lawful only between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and only if the noise doesn't exceed 85 dB(A) measured from the property line of the residential property receiving it. Work outside those hours, or louder than 85 dB(A) at any point, loses the defense and becomes a chargeable violation under Chapter 30, enforced by the city like any other noise offense, no separate construction noise permit exists.
Violations & Fines
Construction/demolition noise outside 7 a.m.-8 p.m. or above 85 dB(A) at the residential property line is a Chapter 30 offense: up to $2,000 per hour of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can construction crews work through the night in Houston?
Is there a decibel limit for construction equipment in Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
How Houston compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Construction Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle construction hours.