Houston, TX Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Houston Ch. 30 Noise
- State authority
- TX Local Gov Code 250.008
- Day cap
- 65 dB(A) at property line
- Night cap
- 58 dB(A) after 10 p.m.
- Plainly audible test
- 100-foot rule applies
Summary
Houston Code Chapter 30 caps residential noise at 65 dB(A) day and 58 dB(A) overnight, while Texas Local Government Code Section 250.008 backs city authority. HPD can cite hosts and occupants when amplified music or shouting is plainly audible 100 feet away.
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
Houston regulates parties through the Chapter 30 noise ordinance rather than a dedicated unruly-gathering statute. Residential property owners and occupants must keep noise below 65 decibels (A-weighted) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 58 decibels overnight, measured at the property line. Amplified music plainly audible 100 feet from the source is also presumed to violate the ordinance. Texas Local Government Code Section 250.008 grants Type A municipalities authority to regulate this conduct. Houston Police respond to calls and may issue citations to hosts, tenants, and property owners. Repeat citations within 12 months can support nuisance abatement under Houston Code Chapter 10. Short-term-rental hosts face Chapter 28 permitting consequences for repeat infractions.
Violations & Fines
First citation is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Repeat offenses within 12 months can stack and support nuisance abatement, including injunction and abatement of the gathering location under Chapter 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Houston quiet hours start for parties?
Can my Houston landlord be fined for my party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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