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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Dallas, 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: No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; Dallas enforces a nuisance standard and activity-specific limits.
Weekends/holidays: No universal hours; enforcement depends on location and activity.
Construction weekdays: When work is on/adjacent to a residential use: 07:00-19:00.
Construction weekends: Saturday 08:00-19:00; Sunday not allowed when on/adjacent to a residential use (unless exempt or emergency).
Dallas relies on a nuisance standard (Chapter 30) and targeted rules (for example, amplified sound near homes, construction near residences). See Chapter 30 and noise limits in the development code.
Residential quiet hours
No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; Dallas enforces a nuisance standard and activity-specific limits.
Weekends & holidays: No universal hours; enforcement depends on location and activity.
Decibel limits
56 dBA daytime
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
When work is on/adjacent to a residential use: 07:00-19:00.
Weekends: Saturday 08:00-19:00; Sunday not allowed when on/adjacent to a residential use (unless exempt or emergency).
Lawn equipment
No citywide schedule published; must avoid 'loud and disturbing' noise under Chapter 30.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Mechanical loudspeakers within 150 ft of a residence are allowed only 08:00-sunset and must not create 'loud and disturbing' noise (Section 30-4).
Typical fines
Up to $2,000 per day (criminal fine) for Chapter 30 violations; civil penalties up to $1,000 per day may also apply.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Dallas 311 (non-emergency city service requests).. 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://dallascityhall.com/services/311/Pages/default.aspx or call Dallas 311 (non-emergency city service requests).. 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 - Dallas limits amplified sound near homes to daytime (8 a.m. to sunset) and uses a nuisance standard at all times. It is carrying pretty far tonight - could we lower it?
Landlord / property manager
Hello, I'm reporting recurring nighttime noise inconsistent with Dallas Code Chapter 30. Please contact the tenant and ensure compliance (especially amplified sound after sunset).
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Dallas City Code, Chapter 30 - Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Use Dallas 311 for chronic noise; call while the noise is active so responders can observe.
- For construction near homes, the posted site sign must include the hours - photograph it when reporting.
- If amplified sound is in the public right-of-way near residences after sunset, note the distance to the nearest home.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.