Texas noise ordinances: What HOAs and rentals should know about noise complaints

What are Texas noise ordinances?

A Texas noise ordinance is a local rule that limits excessive or disruptive sound within a city. Local rules vary widely:

• Houston: Residential receiving property is generally limited to 65 dBA during the day and 58 dBA at night. Houston also regulates amplified sound and requires permits for certain uses (Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30 — Noise and Sound Level Regulation).
   
• San Antonio: Residential-zoned property is generally limited to 63 dBA during the day and 56 dBA at night. Daytime hours are 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday; nighttime runs 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 p.m.–6 a.m. Friday–Saturday (San Antonio Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Article III).
   
• Dallas: Dallas generally prohibits loud or disturbing noise, rather than using a single residential daytime/nighttime decibel limit. Mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers operated in public places generally cannot operate within 150 feet of residential property except between 8 a.m. and sunset (Dallas City Code, Chapter 30 — Noise).
   
• Austin: On residential property, amplified sound is generally limited to 75 dBA from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. and cannot be audible beyond the property line from 10 p.m.–10 a.m. (Austin Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9-2).
   
• Fort Worth: Residential property is generally limited to 70 dBA from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. and 60 dBA from 10 p.m.–7 a.m., measured at the complainant’s property line (Fort Worth Code of Ordinances, § 23-8).
   
• El Paso: El Paso does not use a comparable daytime/nighttime residential decibel schedule. Sound discernible beyond a property line generally cannot exceed 70 dBA from 10 p.m.–7 a.m., and certain outdoor residential equipment is also restricted overnight (El Paso Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9.40).
   
• Arlington: Arlington does not use a single citywide residential decibel-and-time limit. For residential short-term rentals, amplified sound and outdoor gatherings are prohibited from 10 p.m.–9 a.m. The city also prohibits keeping an animal or bird that causes frequent or prolonged noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of neighbors or occupants of adjacent properties (Section 2.07 of the Arlington Animals Chapter; Ordinance No. 19-022 for short-term rentals).
   
• Corpus Christi: Residential receiving property is generally limited to 70 dBA during daytime/evening hours and 60 dBA overnight, with later daytime hours on Friday and Saturday (Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, § 31-3).
   
• Plano: Residential receiving property is generally limited to 65 dBA from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. and 55 dBA from 10:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m., subject to the ordinance’s background-noise standards (Plano Code of Ordinances, §§ 14-86–14-87).
   
• Lubbock: Lubbock does not set a general residential decibel limit. Instead, it prohibits unreasonably disturbing noise and generally restricts outdoor power equipment and mechanical, electrical, or electronic devices in residential areas from 10 p.m.–6 a.m. (Lubbock Code of Ordinances, § 14.04.003).
   
• Texas statewide law: Under Texas disorderly conduct law, noise is presumed unreasonable when it exceeds 85 decibels after the person making the noise has received notice from a magistrate or peace officer that it is a public nuisance, subject to statutory requirements and exceptions (Texas Penal Code § 42.01).

Because every Texas noise ordinance is different, residents and property managers should check the current municipal code for the city where the property is located.
 

Can HOAs and rental properties set their own noise rules?

HOAs and rental properties may be able to set noise rules that are more restrictive than the local Texas noise ordinance, as long as those rules are supported by the governing documents or lease and comply with Texas property management laws.

For example, a community may establish earlier quiet hours or prohibit recurring disturbances even when the noise does not violate the city’s decibel limit. Learn more in our guides to Texas tenant rules and Texas HOA rules.
 

Can a Texas HOA fine someone for excessive noise?

A Texas HOA may be able to fine an owner for violating an enforceable noise or nuisance restriction when the association has authority under its governing documents and follows state requirements. The Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act requires covered associations that levy fines to adopt an enforcement policy describing the types of violations and fine amounts.
 

How to file a noise complaint in an HOA or rental property

Residents can start by writing down when the noise happened, how long it lasted, and what they heard. Then, report the issue through the HOA, property manager, or landlord and include those details. If the problem keeps happening, continue documenting each occurrence so management has a clear history to review.

For urgent or severe disturbances, you may also need to contact the appropriate local enforcement agency.
 

Tips for boards and building owners on creating noise rules

Clear rules can help residents understand expectations before noise becomes an ongoing source of frustration. When reviewing or creating a noise policy:

• Define the problem clearly: Explain what types of sound may be considered disruptive rather than relying only on broad phrases such as “excessive noise.”
   
• Set practical quiet hours: Choose times that reflect how residents use the community and check the applicable Texas noise ordinance.
   
• Address common sources: Consider things like music, parties, pets, televisions, construction, and outdoor speakers.
   
• Explain how complaints work: Tell residents where to report an issue and what information is helpful.
   
• Explain possible enforcement: Residents should understand what may happen when a confirmed violation continues.
   
• Review rules with counsel: Qualified Texas counsel can help confirm that the board or owner has authority to adopt and enforce the proposed requirements.

How property managers can help resolve noise complaints

A property manager can give boards of directors and building owners a consistent process for handling noise concerns. That may include things like receiving complaints, organizing documentation, communicating with residents, tracking repeated issues, and coordinating with association counsel when enforcement is needed.
 

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential is North America’s leading property management company and a trusted partner to communities across Texas. For more than two decades, we’ve provided comprehensive property management services that help boards, owners, and residents protect their investments and enhance daily life.

Our Texas team offers tailored support that includes financial management, maintenance coordination, industry-leading technology, local expertise, and 24/7 customer care. We simplify property management so you can focus on what matters most.

Contact us today to learn more.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.