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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Austin, Texas
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-10:00 (amplified sound on residential property not audible beyond the property line); general 'unreasonable noise' restrictions apply 22:30-07:00 in public or adjacent properties (Section 9-2-3).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-10:00 (same as weekdays).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-18:00 (typical loud construction <=85 dBA at 50 ft). Outside these hours work must meet baseline limits; concrete and special operations may require permits.
Construction weekends: Saturday same as weekdays; Sunday and holidays generally must meet baseline limits or have a permit.
Austin regulates residential amplified sound at <=75 dB from 10:00-22:00 and prohibits amplified sound audible beyond the property line from 22:00-10:00. Chapter 9-2 - Noise and Amplified Sound also bans unreasonable noise between 22:30-07:00 in public or if audible to adjacent premises. Construction guidance allows 07:00-18:00 Mon-Sat at 85 dBA at 50 ft; outside those hours, baseline limits apply. See Code Chapter 9-2 and the City's Outdoor Amplified Sound and Construction Noise pages.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-10:00 (amplified sound on residential property not audible beyond the property line); general 'unreasonable noise' restrictions apply 22:30-07:00 in public or adjacent properties (Section 9-2-3).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-10:00 (same as weekdays).
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-18:00 (typical loud construction <=85 dBA at 50 ft). Outside these hours work must meet baseline limits; concrete and special operations may require permits.
Weekends: Saturday same as weekdays; Sunday and holidays generally must meet baseline limits or have a permit.
Lawn equipment
No separate citywide schedule; apply Chapter 9-2 general rules: avoid unreasonable noise 22:30-07:00; for amplified sound at residences, 22:00-10:00 not audible beyond the property line; 10:00-22:00 <=75 dB.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
On residential property, amplified sound <=75 dB from 10:00-22:00; not audible beyond the property line 22:00-10:00. In public or at businesses, Chapter 9-2 limits hours and requires permits; outdoor music venues operate under permit-specific dB and time caps.
Typical fines
Chapter 9-2 offenses are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per offense; additional permit-condition remedies may apply to venues.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Austin 3-1-1 (routing to Code or APD) for non-emergency noise; 911 for emergencies. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.austintexas.gov/department/311 or call Austin 3-1-1 (routing to Code or APD) for non-emergency noise; 911 for emergencies. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi there ??? Austin limits amplified sound at homes to 10 a.m.-10 p.m. <=75 dB, and it shouldn't be audible beyond the property line after 10 p.m. We've been hearing [describe noise] around [times]. Could we keep it down after 10 p.m.? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we're experiencing noise that appears to conflict with Austin Code Chapter 9-2 (amplified sound limits at residences and the 10:30 p.m.-7 a.m. unreasonable-noise rule). Please remind tenants/contractors and confirm any needed permits. We have a dated log and short clips if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Austin City Code ??? Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For residential music, note if sound was audible beyond your property line after 22:00; include brief phone video and exact times.
- Construction after 18:00 often requires meeting lower baseline limits or a permit; ask for the concrete or night-work permit number if work runs late.
- Route non-emergencies via 3-1-1; include address, source type, and whether the activity is permitted (e.g., Outdoor Music Venue).
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.