Denton, TX Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Denton, TX, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Code
- Sec. 17-20 (Ch. 17, Art. II)
- Event Limit
- 70 dBA at perimeter
- Standard
- Unreasonable disturbance test
- Fine
- Up to $500 per offense
- Complaints
- Denton PD: (940) 349-7919
Summary
Denton Code Ch. 17, Art. II (Sec. 17-20) prohibits noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to substantially interfere with comfortable enjoyment of private homes. Outdoor amplified events capped at 70 dBA at the event perimeter. Fry Street and downtown square entertainment areas generate the most complaints. Class C misdemeanor, fines up to $500 per offense.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(3) creates, by chemical means, a noxious and unreasonable odor in a public place;(4) abuses or threatens a person in a public place in an obviously offensive manner;(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 h
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Denton Code of Ordinances Sec. 17-20 (Article II, Chapter 17 -- Noise and Other Disturbances) prohibits making noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to be detrimental to the life, health, or comfort of any individual or to cause material distress, discomfort, or injury to any reasonable person of normal sensibility. Sound measurements use the A-weighted decibel scale with a minimum two-minute measurement period at the complaining party location. Outdoor amplified events must not exceed 70 dBA at the established event perimeter. The Fry Street entertainment district near UNT campus and the downtown courthouse square live music venues are the most common complaint origins. Denton PD non-emergency line (940) 349-7919 handles noise complaints. Denton Animal Services handles barking dog complaints separately at (940) 349-7594. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate offense under the municipal code.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor. Fine up to $500. Each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Denton?
How do I file a noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
How Denton compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle quiet hours.