Maximum permissible sound levels.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 30-5
in effectSec. 30-5. - Maximum permissible sound levels.
(a) In addition to the violations established in other sections of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to make, assist in making, permit, continue, cause to be made or continued, or permit the continuance of any sound beyond the property lines of the property on which the sound is being generated that exceeds the applicable dB(A) level listed below for the property on which the sound is received when measured from the property line of the residential or nonresidential property receiving the sound towards the source of the sound:
(1) Residential property:
a. 65 dB(A) during daytime hours.
b. 58 dB(A) during nighttime hours.
(2) Nonresidential property: 68 dB(A) at all times.
Except as otherwise permitted by this chapter or other applicable law, any sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels set forth in this section under the conditions and measurement criteria set forth in this chapter is a violation of this chapter. Evidence that an activity or sound source produces a sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels specified in this section shall be prima facie evidence of a sound that unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in violation of this chapter.
(b) Regardless of the measurable dB(A) level established in this chapter and measured in a manner provided in subsection (a) of this section, the creation of any sound causing persons occupying or using any property other than the property upon which the sound is being generated to be aware of vibrations or resonance caused by the sound shall be prima facie evidence of a sound that unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in violation of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 2022-399, § 2(Exh. A), 5-4-2022)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH30NOSOLERE_S30-5MAPESOLEFetched: 10/26/2026