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DeSoto, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Day Limit at Residential
75 dBA
Night Limit at Residential
65 dBA
Impulse Penalty
+5 dB
Zoning Code
Ch. 54 (Industrial)
Enforcement
Code Compliance (972) 230-9626

Summary

Industrial and commercial noise is regulated under Chapter 42 and DeSoto's zoning code (Chapter 54). Operations in I-1 and I-2 zones must keep sound below 75 dBA at residential property lines during day and 65 dBA at night.

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.

Source: DeSoto Zoning OrdinanceView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

DeSoto Zoning Ordinance Chapter 54 establishes performance standards at the boundary between industrial districts (I-1 Light Industrial, I-2 Heavy Industrial) and adjoining residential or commercial zones. Sound at the receiving property line must not exceed 75 dBA from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 65 dBA from 10 p.m.-7 a.m., measured per ANSI S1.4 standards. Specific impulse sounds (punch presses, pile drivers) have a 5 dB penalty. Facilities must file a noise-mitigation plan during site plan review, and chronic violators may have their Certificate of Occupancy revoked under Section 54-118.

Violations & Fines

Class C citation $200-$2,000 per day; CO revocation for repeat industrial violations; civil nuisance injunction under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ch. 125.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is industrial noise measured?
A DeSoto code officer or contracted acoustical consultant uses a Type 2 sound level meter at the complainant's property line. Readings are averaged over a 10-minute sample.
What if a factory exceeds limits?
Report to Code Compliance at (972) 230-9626. The city issues a Notice of Violation with a cure period; failure to abate triggers citations and potential CO revocation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeSoto

All DeSoto rules

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