Sugar Land, TX Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Sugar Land, 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
- Sec. 3-101; Dev. Code Art. XIII
- Playground Quiet Hours
- 10 PM – 6 AM
- Vehicle Audio Distance
- 50 feet
- Max Fine
- Up to $2,000/offense
Summary
Sugar Land Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-101 prohibits noise of such volume, intensity, or duration as to disturb a reasonable person in a dwelling. Outdoor playgrounds within 500 feet of a dwelling may not be used between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The Land Development Code Art. XIII (Sec. 2-360) establishes maximum noise standards by zoning district.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (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 has no right to occupy; ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance. (d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless committed under Subsection (a)(7) or (a)(8), in which event it is a Class B misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 3-101(b), it is unlawful to intentionally or knowingly make noise that disturbs a reasonable person in the enjoyment of their dwelling, considering level, frequency, duration, proximity, zoning, and time of day. Sec. 3-101(c) provides that amplified sound plainly audible within another dwelling is prima facie evidence of a violation. Sec. 3-101(e) sets a quiet period of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM for outdoor playgrounds within 500 feet of any dwelling. Exceptions exist for government employees performing duties, persons lawfully using public facilities, and participants in permitted parades. The Land Development Code Article XIII (Maximum Noise Standards, Sec. 2-360 et seq.) establishes decibel limits measured at property lines for different zoning districts.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Sec. 3-101 are Class C misdemeanors under the Sugar Land general penalty provision (Sec. 1-9), punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 per offense. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sugar Land
How Sugar Land compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sugar Land to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle quiet hours.