Tomball, TX Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Tomball, 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
- Ch. 18, Art. IV
- 2024 Amendment
- Ord. 2024-17 deleted dB limits
- State Threshold
- 85 dBA after notice
- Max Fine
- Up to $2,000/day
- Enforcement
- Tomball Code Compliance
Summary
Tomball regulates noise under Chapter 18, Article IV of its Code of Ordinances. In 2024, the city adopted Ordinance 2024-17 which deleted Section 18-192 (Maximum Sound Levels), removing specific decibel thresholds. Noise enforcement now relies on the general nuisance standard and Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
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
Tomball's noise ordinance under Chapter 18, Article IV previously established specific maximum decibel levels, but Ordinance 2024-17 deleted Section 18-192 in June 2024. The city now enforces noise disturbances through its general nuisance provisions and the state disorderly conduct statute. Under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01, noise is presumed unreasonable if it exceeds 85 dBA after the person receives notice from a peace officer or magistrate. Tomball Code Compliance officers investigate noise complaints using a progressive enforcement ladder ranging from verbal warnings to written citations. The Code Compliance office is located at 501 James Street.
Violations & Fines
Municipal ordinance violation: fine up to $2,000 per day per Ordinance 2024-17. State disorderly conduct under TX Penal Code Section 42.01: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tomball
How Tomball compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tomball 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.