Richardson relies primarily on a plainly-audible and nuisance-based standard rather than fixed decibel thresholds in most residential cases, though commercial and industrial districts are subject to property-line performance standards.
Unlike some larger Texas cities that publish specific dBA tables, Richardson's general noise ordinance uses a reasonable-person and plainly-audible standard: a noise is a violation if it is loud, unreasonable, or disturbs ordinary sensibilities. For amplified sound (car stereos, outdoor speakers), officers may cite if the sound is plainly audible at a set distance — commonly 30 feet from the source or at the property line of a complainant. Commercial and industrial performance standards in the zoning code require operators to keep sound from transmitting across zoning boundaries. For construction equipment and stationary mechanical equipment, industry-standard dBA limits (typically 60-70 dBA at residential boundaries during daytime) are applied on a case-by-case basis through site plan review. Quiet hours generally run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which enforcement thresholds are stricter. Officers carry calibrated sound meters for measurable cases, but most enforcement is observational.
Class C misdemeanor, fines up to $500 per occurrence. Repeated violations can be charged as separate offenses per day. Amplified sound from vehicles can also trigger separate traffic-related citations. Contact Richardson Police non-emergency at (972) 744-4800.
Richardson, TX
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Richardson, TX
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Richardson, TX
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Richardson, TX
Richardson fence code allows up to 8 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. The finished or smooth side must face the neighboring property, a...
Richardson, TX
Under Sec. 5-9(1), dogs must not run at large. Off-premises, dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. On premises, dogs must be confined by a substa...
Richardson, TX
Under Sec. 5-12, it is unlawful to own, possess, keep, or harbor any wild animal within Richardson. Wild animals include lions, tigers, bears, wolves, alliga...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
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