Cedar Hill, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential: Dba
- Residential: 65 dBA day / 60 dBA night
- Commercial:
- Commercial: 70 / 65 dBA; Industrial: 75 / 70 dBA
- Measured Receiving Property
- Measured at receiving property line, A-weighted slow
- Setbacks
- Plainly audible at 50 ft = violation for amplified sound
- Impulse Sounds: +10
- Impulse sounds: +10 dB peak allowance
Summary
Cedar Hill applies dBA limits at the receiving property line: 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime in residential areas, 70/65 dBA in commercial, and 75/70 dBA in industrial. Combined with the 'plainly audible at 50 ft' rule for amplified sound.
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: [...] (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.(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless committed under Subsection (a)(7) or (a)(8), in which event it is a Class B misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Cedar Hill's noise ordinance uses both an objective decibel standard and a plainly-audible standard. Measured at the property line of the receiving (complaining) parcel using a Type 2 sound level meter on the A-weighted slow setting, sound from any continuous source may not exceed: residential receiving zone 65 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) / 60 dBA (10 PM-7 AM); commercial receiving zone 70 / 65 dBA; industrial receiving zone 75 / 70 dBA. Impulse sounds (hammering, gunshot) are measured on peak hold and may not exceed the limit by more than 10 dB. For amplified entertainment, the 'plainly audible at 50 feet' rule applies in addition to the dBA standard. Exemptions include emergency sirens, lawful sporting events at Longhorn Stadium and Cedar Hill ISD venues, parades, fireworks shows permitted under city event rules, and warning devices. Code Enforcement officers are equipped with calibrated meters; readings are admissible in municipal court.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor up to $500 per occurrence. Each 24-hour period of continued violation is a separate offense. Sound equipment may be impounded as evidence in repeat amplified-music cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud is 60 dBA?
Do I need to buy my own meter to file a complaint?
Are fireworks shows over the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Hill
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Cedar Hill to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle decibel limits.