Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes decibel limits by zoning district and time of day: 75 dB(A) daytime and 70 dB(A) nighttime in residential, up to 85 dB(A) in commercial, and higher in permitted entertainment districts. Measurements are taken at the property line with Type 1 or Type 2 sound meters.
Austin's decibel framework in Chapter 9-2 defines daytime as 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (10:30 PM weekends in some districts) and nighttime as the remaining hours. Residential zones (SF, MF, LA, RR) are capped at 75 dB(A) day and 70 dB(A) night at the receiving property line. General commercial (GR, CS) zones allow 75 dB(A) day and 70 dB(A) night when adjacent to residential, stepping up to 85 dB(A) when surrounded by other commercial or industrial. The Central Business District and the Red River Cultural District allow permitted venues to reach 95 dB(A) with an Outdoor Music Venue permit. Tonal, impulsive, or repetitive sound receives a 5 dB adjustment against the limit. Chapter 9-2 also has a plainly audible standard: if amplified sound is audible inside a neighboring dwelling with windows closed, it is a violation regardless of measured dB. Austin Code enforces; APD handles after-hours complaints. Permitted construction during allowed hours is exempt from strict dB caps but must still use best-available noise reduction.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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