Katy, TX Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Quiet Hours
- 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
- Standard
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- STR Owner Liability
- Owner liable for guest acts
- STR Permit
- Revocable for repeat violations
- Noncompliance Fine
- $500
- Enforcement
- Katy PD + Code Enforcement
Summary
Katy STR Article 4.10 (adopted Mar 27, 2023) makes operators civilly and criminally liable for guest noise. Citywide Article 8.04 prohibits sound plainly audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
10 of the Code of Ordinances, adopted by City Council 4-1 on March 27, 2023, which expressly states that the owner is not relieved from civil or criminal liability for a violation regardless of whether it is committed by the owner, operator, contact person, or guest. Operators must designate a 24/7 contact person and notify the city's Planning Department, Building Official, and Fire Marshal of any complaints. 04, which prohibits any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others.
in a manner plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the building, structure, or vehicle. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on public streets during the same overnight hours is similarly prohibited. Katy uses a plainly-audible standard rather than a decibel meter, simplifying officer-issued citations. 10 after repeated code violations, and the $300 new application fee plus $200 renewal must be re-paid to restore the permit.
Violations & Fines
Repeated code violations, including noise complaints, can result in revocation of the STR permit under Article 4.10. Article 8.04 violations are Class C misdemeanors enforced by the Katy Police Department; the STR ordinance includes a $500 fine for noncompliance. Owners may be cited even when the violator is a guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are STR guests in Katy bound by the city noise ordinance?
What are the quiet hours for a Katy short-term rental?
Can my STR permit be revoked over noise complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
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How other cities in Fort Bend County handle noise rules.