Houston Code Chapter 30 regulates industrial noise through property-line decibel limits. Industrial and commercial properties must not exceed 68 dB(A) daytime and 58 dB(A) nighttime as measured at the receiving residential property line.
Under Houston Code Chapter 30, Sec. 30-3, sound from any source is measured at the property line of the receiving property using a Type 1 or Type 2 calibrated sound level meter with A-weighting and slow response. Daytime limits (7 AM to 10 PM) are 68 dB(A) for commercial-to-residential. Nighttime (10:01 PM to 7:59 AM) limits drop to 58 dB(A). Industrial operations near the Houston Ship Channel and petrochemical corridor are subject to these same limits when adjacent to residential areas. Violations are Class C misdemeanors. The 2022 amendments to Chapter 30 increased maximum fines and added permitting requirements for commercial establishments with outdoor amplified sound within 300 feet of residences.
First offense: fine of $50 to $1,000. Second or subsequent conviction within 12 months: fine of $100 to $2,000. Each day of violation is a separate offense.
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