Austin, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential
- Residential 75 dB day, 70 dB night
- Commercial
- Commercial up to 85 dB(A)
- Entertainment District Permits
- Entertainment district permits up to 95 dB
- Plainly Audible Standard
- Plainly audible standard supplements dB limits
- Penalties
- 5 dB penalty for tonal or impulse noise
Summary
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.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy. ... (c) For purposes of this section: (1) an act is deemed to occur in a public place or near a private residence if it produces its offensive or proscribed consequences in the public place or near a private residence; and (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does nighttime start?
Does the limit apply inside my home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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