San Antonio, TX Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Chapter 21, Article III (Noise)
- Industrial Day Limit
- 72 dB(A) at property boundary
- Industrial Night Limit
- 65 dB(A) at property boundary
- Measurement
- Sec. 21-55 method of noise measurement
- Penalty
- $100–$2,000 per offense
Summary
San Antonio regulates industrial noise under Chapter 21, Article III of the Code of Ordinances. Industrial zones have maximum permissible sound levels of 72 dB(A) daytime and 65 dB(A) nighttime at the property boundary. The nighttime limit is 7 dB lower than daytime across all zone categories. Violations carry fines of $100 to $2,000 per offense.
(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
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio's industrial noise ordinance regulates sound generated by manufacturing facilities, warehouses, commercial HVAC systems, loading operations, and mechanical equipment. Noise from these sources must not exceed 70 dBA during daytime hours (7 AM–10 PM) or 60 dBA during nighttime hours (10 PM–7 AM) as measured at the nearest residential property line. Octave-band analysis may be required for tonal or impulsive noise. New industrial uses must submit noise impact assessments as part of conditional use permit applications. Existing facilities that exceed limits must implement mitigation measures such as sound walls, equipment enclosures, or operational schedule changes. Texas state environmental regulations supplement local noise control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the noise limits for businesses near homes?
How do I file an industrial noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle decibel limits.