Outdoor music in Fort Worth must stay within Chapter 23 decibel limits and end by 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday unless a special event permit is obtained.
Fort Worth's Chapter 23 noise provisions apply to amplified music from patios, backyards, and commercial venues. Bar and restaurant patios in Sundance Square, Magnolia Avenue, and the West 7th corridor are common hotspots for complaints. Venues seeking to exceed standard limits must apply for a Special Event Permit or an outdoor-music permit through the Fort Worth Parks or Code Compliance Department, which sets decibel caps and end times for the event. The Stockyards Entertainment District historically carries a more permissive enforcement posture because of its tourism role, but residential neighbors retain the right to file complaints. Private parties and weddings at homes fall under general quiet hours, and a single 911 or 311 complaint is typically enough to trigger a response. Enforcement combines Fort Worth Police for active disturbances with Code Compliance for repeat offenders.
First-offense citations are Class C misdemeanors up to $500. Permit holders who exceed authorized levels risk permit revocation and future denial. Commercial venues with repeated violations may face nuisance abatement action through the City Attorney.
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