El Paso, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Day
- 55 dB(A) 7 AM - 10 PM
- Residential Night
- 50 dB(A) 10 PM - 7 AM
- Commercial
- 65 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night
- Industrial
- 70 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night
- Impulsive Penalty
- 5 dB(A) deduction from limit
Summary
El Paso Chapter 9.40 establishes A-weighted decibel limits by zone and time of day. Residential receiving properties are limited to 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime; commercial 65/60 dB(A); industrial 70/60 dB(A).
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.
Full Breakdown
The city measures noise at the property line of the receiving property using a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter, A-weighted, slow response. Limits are tiered: residential 55 dB(A) day / 50 dB(A) night; commercial 65 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night; industrial 70 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night. Impulsive sounds such as hammering are subject to a 5 dB(A) reduction. Pure-tone noise gets a 5 dB(A) penalty. Environmental Services uses calibrated meters and maintains training records for inspectors. Residents may also rely on reasonable-person plainly-audible standards at night without a meter.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor; fines $50 to $500 first offense, up to $2,000 for repeats. Ongoing violations may trigger injunctive relief through municipal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does El Paso measure noise?
What decibel level is too loud at night in El Paso?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
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