Georgetown, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Georgetown's Noise Control ordinance contains explicit numeric decibel limits, which is unusual and makes enforcement more objective. Section 8.16.030 ('Restrictions on decibel levels') declares it a noise nuisance to make noise exceeding the stated maximums. In residential areas and all abutting public rights-of-way, the limit is 63 decibels during the daytime and 56 decibels during the nighttime. On commercial or other business-zoned property (as defined by the City's Zoning Ordinance), the limit is 70 decibels daytime and 63 decibels nighttime. On industrial-zoned property, the limit is 72 decibels daytime and 65 decibels nighttime. The ordinance includes four enumerated categories, and it provides that if a noise is made on property falling under more than one category, the lowest maximum decibel level applies, which protects quieter adjacent uses. These city limits are stricter and more specific than Texas state law, which under Penal Code 42.01 only presumes noise unreasonable above 85 decibels and only after the responsible person receives notice that it is a public nuisance. Because the ordinance's exemptions in Section 8.16.080 were being amended in 2025, confirm the current measurement rules and any exempt activities with the City.