No county rule governs outdoor music. Killeen prohibits gatherings whose cumulative noise unreasonably disturbs anyone within hearing range, and both cities apply nighttime and amplifier limits. Outside city limits, Texas Penal Code 42.01 covers loud parties near homes.
Backyard concerts, parties and outdoor events are regulated by the cities, not the county. Killeen prohibits 'the gathering, on public or private property, of any number of persons at any time, when the cumulative noise of the gathering... causes unreasonable disturbance to any person or animal located within the range of hearing.' Amplified music at such events is also subject to Killeen's device rules and Temple's loudspeaker hours (weekdays 10:30 p.m.-7 a.m., all day Sunday). City-sponsored parades, stadium events and festivals are typically exempt. In unincorporated Bell County, a loud outdoor party near a residence is enforced under Texas Penal Code 42.01(a)(5).
Killeen: misdemeanor, $100-$2,000; hosts and adults in control are liable. Temple: municipal citation. Unincorporated: Penal Code 42.01 noise, Class C up to $500.
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