Georgetown, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 8.16.030
- Residential limit
- 63 dB day / 56 dB night
- Commercial limit
- 70 dB day / 63 dB night
- Industrial/other limit
- 72 dB day / 65 dB night
- Penalty
- $100-$2,000, Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Georgetown caps sound at 63 decibels daytime and 56 at night in residential zones, higher on commercial, industrial, or unclassified property. Where a property could fall under more than one zone category, the lowest applicable decibel cap governs.
A.Maximum decibel levels. No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit any of the following acts which are declared to be noise nuisances. If a noise is made on property which falls under more than one of the four categories enumerated in this section, the lowest maximum decibel level shall apply.1.The making of noise which exceeds 63 decibels during the daytime or 56 decibels during the nighttime in residential areas and all abutting public rights-of-way;2.The making of noise which exceeds 70 decibels during the daytime or 63 decibels during the nighttime on commercial or other business zoned property as defined by the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Georgetown, Texas;3.The making of noise which exceeds 72 decibels during the daytime or 65 decibels during the nighttime on industrial zoned property
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
030(A) declares it a noise nuisance to exceed set decibel limits by zoning classification. In residential areas and abutting public rights-of-way, the cap is 63 decibels daytime and 56 decibels nighttime. Commercial or other business-zoned property is capped at 70 decibels daytime and 63 nighttime. Industrial-zoned property is capped at 72 decibels daytime and 65 nighttime, the same ceiling applied to any property that does not fit the other three categories. 030(A) directs that the lowest maximum applies. m. 030(B) sets the measurement protocol: readings must use an ANSI-compliant, A-weighted, properly calibrated sound level meter, taken from beyond the real property line for private-property sources, or from at least 300 feet away for noise generated on public right-of-way or public space. 050 for construction, special events, or outdoor music venues in non-residential zones.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Chapter 8.16, including exceeding the decibel caps in Section 8.16.030, is a Class C misdemeanor under Section 8.16.100, punishable by a fine of $100.00 to $2,000.00, or $200.00 to $2,000.00 for a repeat offender. Each day, or each occurrence for continuous violations, is a separate offense, and the Chief of Police enforces the chapter through citations and, if noise continues after a citation, an administrative stop order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the residential noise limit in Georgetown at night?
How is noise measured for enforcement?
What happens if my property could be classified two ways?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Georgetown
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Georgetown to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle decibel limits.