Houston, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Houston Code Ch. 30, Sec. 30-3
- Daytime Limit
- 68 dB(A) at receiving property line
- Nighttime Limit
- 58 dB(A) (10:01 PM - 7:59 AM)
- Measurement
- Type 1 or 2 sound level meter, A-weighted, slow response
- Fines
- $50-$1,000 first offense; $100-$2,000 repeat
Summary
Houston Code Chapter 30 regulates industrial noise through property-line decibel limits. Industrial and commercial properties must not exceed 68 dB(A) daytime and 58 dB(A) nighttime as measured at the receiving residential property line.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(3) creates, by chemical means, a noxious and unreasonable odor in a public place;(4) abuses or threatens a person in a public place in an obviously offensive manner;(5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.
Full Breakdown
Under Houston Code Chapter 30, Sec. 30-3, sound from any source is measured at the property line of the receiving property using a Type 1 or Type 2 calibrated sound level meter with A-weighting and slow response. Daytime limits (7 AM to 10 PM) are 68 dB(A) for commercial-to-residential. Nighttime (10:01 PM to 7:59 AM) limits drop to 58 dB(A). Industrial operations near the Houston Ship Channel and petrochemical corridor are subject to these same limits when adjacent to residential areas. Violations are Class C misdemeanors. The 2022 amendments to Chapter 30 increased maximum fines and added permitting requirements for commercial establishments with outdoor amplified sound within 300 feet of residences.
Violations & Fines
First offense: fine of $50 to $1,000. Second or subsequent conviction within 12 months: fine of $100 to $2,000. Each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the noise limits for industrial facilities near Houston homes?
How do I file an industrial noise complaint in Houston?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle decibel limits.