Leander, TX Noise Ordinances: Industrial Noise (2026)

Leander's noise ordinance assigns the highest permitted sound levels to industrial districts (HC and HI zoning) under the Maximum Sound Levels chart in Section 8.04.002. The industrial cap is 75 dBA during the day (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 65 dBA at night (10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.), measured at the property line, or alternatively 10 dBA above background noise during the day and 5 dBA above background at night, whichever figure is lower. Even within an industrial zone, several specific prohibitions apply regardless of the overall cap. Section 8.04.002(d) bars blowing a stationary steam whistle except to signal the start or stop of work or to warn of danger, prohibits engine and boat exhaust except through a working exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual noise, and prohibits compressed-air mechanical devices unless their noise is effectively muffled to remain compliant. The ordinance's general enforcement provision lets police and code enforcement cite the 'responsible party,' defined for an industrial site as the highest-level supervisor present. Background-relative limits mean an industrial operation near quieter property must keep its noise close to the ambient level rather than simply pushing up to 75 dBA. Routine industrial vibration that exceeds a reasonable person's perception threshold at the property line is also treated as prima facie evidence of an unlawful disturbance.