Fort Worth Code Sec. 23-8 caps non-residential and commercial noise at 80 dBA during daytime hours (7 AM - 10 PM), measured at the source property line for at least 30 seconds. Industrial activity that exceeds these limits is a public nuisance.
Sec. 23-8 of the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances applies to all sound and noise within the city limits, including industrial and commercial operations. Daytime non-residential noise is capped at 80 dBA at the property line, with nighttime limits dropping to residential levels. Measurements must be taken for a minimum of 30 seconds at the property line. The ordinance also prohibits vehicle horn sounding, engine revving, and excessively loud machinery as separate offenses. Enforcement is primarily handled by Fort Worth Police and Code Compliance under the Class C misdemeanor framework.
Each violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense, and persistent violations may be abated as a public nuisance.
Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle industrial noise.
See how Fort Worth's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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