Sherman, TX Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Per se hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., residential and nonresidential districts
- Residential reach
- Within 500 feet of any residence or quiet zone
- Equipment covered
- Any motorized electric or fuel powered equipment
- Blowers named
- Leaf blowers are not named in the code
- Decibel limit
- None printed in Article 8.07
- Maximum fine
- $500, each day a separate offense
Summary
In the City of Sherman, Texas, motorized power equipment, which covers lawnmowers and similar devices, is a noise disturbance per se between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in residential and nonresidential districts. Near residences and quiet zones, any operation that causes a noise disturbance is barred at any hour.
(7) Power equipment. (A) Operating or permitting to be operated any power equipment (as defined herein and excluding construction equipment which is specifically regulated above) within a residential district or quiet zone, or within 500 feet of any residence or quiet zone, in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance. Furthermore, any such activity shall create a noise disturbance per se if conducted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. (B) Operating or permitting to be operated any power equipment (as defined herein and excluding construction equipment which is specifically regulated above) within a nonresidential district in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance. Furthermore, any such activity shall create a noise disturbance per se if conducted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
The Sherman Code of Ordinances does not name leaf blowers or gas versus electric blowers. Article 8.07, adopted by the City Council as Ordinance 6216 on 5/20/19, instead regulates "power equipment," which § 8.07.002 defines as any motorized electric or fuel powered equipment, including, but not limited to, tractors, lawnmowers, and other similar device or equipment. A gas or electric leaf blower is a motorized device and falls under that definition, as do trimmers and mowers.
Section 8.07.003(b)(7)(A) applies in a residential district or quiet zone, or within 500 feet of any residence or quiet zone. Operating the equipment there in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance is prohibited, and any such activity is a noise disturbance per se between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Subparagraph (B) applies the same 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. per se window in a nonresidential district. Construction equipment is excluded from this paragraph because construction has its own hours rule in § 8.07.003(b)(6).
The line between day and night is the printed one. Between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the prosecutor must show an actual noise disturbance, meaning a sound which annoys or disturbs a reasonable, prudent adult person or interferes with public peace and comfort. Between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. no extra evidence is needed. A quiet zone includes territory within 500 feet of the nearest property line of a residential district or of a school, college, hospital, clinic, library or other noise-sensitive facility.
The code adds no decibel cap and no gas-blower ban. Landscapers can seek a permit of variance from the assistant city manager under § 8.07.006 when the work cannot be done in compliance, and a denial can be appealed in writing to the city manager within ten days.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the noise article is a misdemeanor punished on conviction by a fine not to exceed $500, and each day the violation occurs or continues is a separate offense under § 8.07.008. No culpable mental state has to be alleged or proved. The City of Sherman can also seek injunctive relief under § 8.07.009 in addition to all other penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can I run a leaf blower in the City of Sherman, Texas?
Does Sherman ban gas leaf blowers?
Do landscaping crews follow the construction hours?
Can a landscaper get a variance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sherman
How Sherman compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sherman to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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