San Antonio, TX Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- SAMC Chapter 21 + 12
- State authority
- TX Local Gov Code 250.008
- Day cap
- 70 dB(A) at property line
- Night cap
- 63 dB(A) after 10 p.m.
- Cost recovery
- Third call in 12 months
Summary
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 caps residential noise at 70 dB(A) day and 63 dB(A) overnight at the property line. SAPD can cite hosts and tenants, while repeat-call cost-recovery rules under Chapter 12 charge property owners for each follow-up response within 12 months.
(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
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio regulates parties through SAMC Chapter 21 (Health and Sanitation, noise article) plus Chapter 12 nuisance abatement provisions. Residential property must keep noise below 70 decibels (A-weighted) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 63 decibels overnight, measured at the property line. Amplified music plainly audible 100 feet from the source is also presumed unlawful. Texas Local Government Code Section 250.008 grants the city authority to enforce these limits. SAPD officers may issue citations to hosts, tenants, and property owners, and the third response within a 12-month period triggers SAMC cost-recovery billing for police time. Short-term-rental hosts face additional Type 2 STR permit consequences for repeat infractions. Bexar County municipal court hears appeals.
Violations & Fines
First citation is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Repeat responses within 12 months trigger cost-recovery billing for SAPD time, can stack as nuisance abatement under Chapter 12, and may revoke STR permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do San Antonio quiet hours start for parties?
Can my San Antonio landlord be billed for my party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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