Quiet hours in Bell County, TX — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Bell County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate noise (Local Gov Code Ch. 233). State law (Penal Code §42.01(a)(5)) governs unreasonable noise countywide.
Under Texas Penal Code §42.01(a)(5), a person commits disorderly conduct by making unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence. Noise above 85 dB is presumptively unreasonable. Bell County does not enforce numeric quiet hours; deputies respond to disorderly conduct calls. Cities within the county (Killeen, Temple, Belton, Harker Heights) set their own quiet hours by municipal code.
Disorderly conduct under Penal Code §42.01 is a Class C misdemeanor (fine up to $500). Repeat or aggravated incidents may escalate.
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority outside ETJ. Subdivision regulations (adopted 2001,...
Bell County, TX
Bell County Commissioners passed an ordinance on Feb 7, 2011 to control stray dogs and cats in unincorporated areas, enforced by the Sheriff's Office Animal ...
Bell County, TX
Bell County Commissioners Court may restrict 'restricted fireworks' (skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in the unincorporated county under Texas ...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate STR parking in unincorporated areas. Texas counties cannot impose off-street parking minimums on residential lots (Tex. Loc. Go...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not set occupancy limits for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no zoning or building-code authority over singl...
Bell County, TX
Bell County imposes a 2% county Hotel Occupancy Tax on short-term lodging (under 30 days) in unincorporated areas, on top of the 6% state HOT. Rentals inside...
See how Bell County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.