Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 sets industrial noise limits at 75 dB(A) during daytime and 70 dB(A) at night, measured at the property line of the receiving property. Industrial facilities in IP (Industrial Park) and MI (Major Industry) zones must also comply with site development permit noise conditions.
Austin's industrial noise framework layers Chapter 9-2 general limits with site-specific conditions in Site Development Permits issued by the Development Services Department. In IP and MI zoning, baseline limits are 75 dB(A) between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM and 70 dB(A) from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, measured at the nearest residential property line or the industrial site boundary, whichever is more restrictive. Impulse and tonal noise (compressors, backup alarms, metal stamping) receive a 5 dB penalty, meaning actual readings must be 5 dB below the numeric limit. Facilities near residential transition zones (common in East Austin along Airport Boulevard and in North Austin tech corridors) often carry Planned Unit Development (PUD) or Neighborhood Plan conditions capping noise 5 to 10 dB below code. Austin Code Department investigates complaints and can require Continuous Noise Monitoring (CNM) for repeat offenders; unresolved violations can be referred to Municipal Court as Class C misdemeanors ($500 fines per day). TCEQ governs environmental air and water for industrial sites but not noise, so noise complaints should go to Austin 311.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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