Houston, TX Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Houston, 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 Section
- Chapter 30
- Day Limit
- 65 dBA (8 AM to 10 PM)
- Night Limit
- 58 dBA (10 PM to 8 AM)
- Max Fine
- $2,000 per violation
- Enforcement
- HPD / 311
Summary
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 sets residential sound limits of 65 dBA daytime and 58 dBA nighttime, measured at the property line. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 8 AM. The 2022 amendments doubled maximum fines to $2,000.
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.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 30 (Noise and Sound Level Regulation) establishes maximum permissible sound levels: 65 dBA for residential property during daytime (8 AM to 10 PM) and 58 dBA during nighttime (10:01 PM to 7:59 AM). Nonresidential property is limited to 68 dBA at all times. Sound is measured with ANSI-certified Type 1 or Type 2 meters using A-weighting and slow response. Citations may be written regardless of measurable dBA for sounds causing vibrations or resonance that unreasonably disturb comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety. Enforcement is by Houston Police Department; permits are issued by the Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department. The 2022 amendments (effective September 6, 2022) increased the maximum citation fine from $1,000 to $2,000.
Violations & Fines
Fine of up to $2,000 per violation (increased from $1,000 by 2022 amendment). Permits may be suspended or revoked after two or more convictions within 36 months. File complaints via HPD non-emergency at 713-884-3131 or 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Houston's quiet hours?
How do I file a noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
How Houston compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle quiet hours.