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.
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.
Industrial noise violations carry fines of $250–$2,500 per occurrence. Chronic violators face operating permit review and potential conditional use permit revocation. Abatement orders require compliance within 30 days.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
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