Richardson, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial Uses
- Industrial uses must contain noise within property lines under zoning code
- General Noise
- General noise ordinance applies citywide regardless of zoning
- Class C
- Class C misdemeanor fines up to $500 per violation
- Code Enforcement
- Code Enforcement investigates ongoing industrial noise complaints
- Telecom Corridor
- Telecom Corridor businesses typically use enclosures and sound walls for compliance
Summary
Industrial and commercial noise in Richardson is regulated by zoning-based performance standards and the general noise ordinance. The Telecom Corridor hosts data centers and light manufacturing subject to property-line sound limits.
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 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy;(6) fights with another in
Full Breakdown
Richardson's zoning code requires industrial uses to contain noise, vibration, and glare within the property boundary so it does not become detectable as a nuisance at adjacent zoning districts: especially where industrial zones abut residential. The general noise ordinance prohibits any loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise that injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others. Typical industrial noise issues include HVAC and chiller equipment at data centers along the Telecom Corridor, loading dock activity at warehouses, backup generator testing, and rooftop mechanical units at Texas Instruments and AT&T campuses. New construction triggers site plan review where noise mitigation (screening walls, equipment enclosures, setback distances) is required when industrial uses are near residential. Complaints are investigated by Code Enforcement and Police; repeat offenders can face civil penalties and zoning citations.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor under general noise ordinance, up to $500 per occurrence. Zoning violations can accrue daily civil penalties. Commercial/industrial operators may face permit revocation or site plan enforcement. Report industrial noise to Code Enforcement or Richardson Police non-emergency (972) 744-4800.
Frequently Asked Questions
My house backs up to a data center: can I force them to reduce noise?
Are backup generator tests allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle decibel limits.