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.
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.
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.
Cedar Hill, TX
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