Bexar County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Short-term rental noise enforcement in Bexar County depends on location. In unincorporated areas the county has no decibel ordinance and relies on Texas Penal Code 42.01(a)(5) which makes it a Class C misdemeanor to make unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence. Bexar County Sheriff deputies can cite or arrest, and repeat calls at the same STR can lead to nuisance abatement actions. Inside the City of San Antonio, Code of Ordinances Chapter 21 Article IX establishes maximum sound levels of 63 decibels from 7 am to 10 pm and 56 decibels from 10 pm to 7 am measured at the property line of the receiving residential property. STR operators are responsible for guest conduct; Chapter 15 of the city code requires the STR permit holder to respond within 60 minutes of a noise complaint or face fines starting at 500 dollars and rising to 2,000 dollars per offense plus possible permit revocation after three substantiated complaints in 12 months. Amplified sound, loud parties, fireworks, and pool noise after 10 pm are the most common violations. Several suburban cities including Alamo Heights and Windcrest have stricter STR noise rules.