Travis County, TX Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- County Rule
- None
- Gas Blowers
- Allowed
- Time Limits
- None
- Austin City
- 85 dB, after 7 AM
- ETJ Coverage
- No
Summary
Travis County has no leaf blower regulations for unincorporated areas. No countywide decibel, time-of-day, or equipment-type rules exist. Austin city ordinance does not extend to unincorporated county land.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Because Texas counties lack ordinance-making authority for noise (only cities can regulate under TX Local Gov't Code Ch. 211), Travis County has no rules on gas vs. electric blowers, decibel caps, or time windows. Crews operating in unincorporated Webberville, Manor ETJ, Spicewood, and Del Valle may use gas backpack blowers throughout the day. Only state TX Penal Code §42.01 Disorderly Conduct can apply, and only after an officer issues a prior warning for unreasonable noise. Inside Austin city limits, City Code §9-2 construction/noise ordinance sets 85 dB daytime limits and restricts equipment before 7 AM. Austin has not banned gas-powered blowers (unlike Washington DC or several California cities). HOA covenants in Circle C and Steiner Ranch often echo Austin's 7 AM start. Austin's noise rules do NOT extend into the city's ETJ.
Violations & Fines
No county citation available. TX Penal §42.01 Disorderly Conduct: Class C misdemeanor up to $500 fine, only after a prior officer warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lawn crews use leaf blowers at 6 AM in unincorporated Travis County?
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Travis County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
How Travis County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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