Fort Worth, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime Residential
- ~65 dB(A) at property line
- Nighttime Residential
- ~58 dB(A) at property line
- Code Section
- Fort Worth Code Chapter 23
- Aircraft Noise
- FAA preempted (DFW Airport)
- Complaints
- MyFortWorth 311 (817) 392-1234
Summary
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 23 sets numeric decibel limits at residential property lines, generally 65 dB(A) during the day and 58 dB(A) at night, measured from the receiving property.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 23 of the Fort Worth City Code (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions) establishes the citywide framework for measuring noise. For residential receiving properties, the ordinance generally limits continuous sound to approximately 65 dB(A) between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM and 58 dB(A) during the 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM overnight window. Commercial and industrial zones tolerate higher levels. Measurement is taken at the receiving property line using a calibrated Type 2 sound meter, and police or Code Compliance officers are authorized to enforce. DFW Airport aircraft noise is preempted by federal FAA rules and is not enforceable under Chapter 23. Fort Worth Police respond to active disturbances via the non-emergency line, while MyFortWorth 311 at (817) 392-1234 routes chronic complaints to Code Compliance. Outdoor events at venues like Dickies Arena and the Stockyards can secure a noise permit from the city for elevated limits during specific events.
Violations & Fines
Noise violations are Class C misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 per occurrence, with each day counted as a separate offense. Public-nuisance escalations can reach $2,000. Repeat offenders may face injunctive relief in municipal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fort Worth nighttime decibel limit?
Does Fort Worth regulate DFW Airport noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle decibel limits.