🇺🇸 United States - America/Denver (local time 7:50 PM)
Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in El Paso, Texas
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (nighttime cap of <=70 dBA measured at the receiving property if the sound is discernible beyond the source property line; City Code Section 9.40.030).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 06:00-22:00 (Mon-Sat established construction hours; outside these hours requires an After-Hours Construction/Grading Permit).
Construction weekends: Sundays and legal holidays: not permitted without an After-Hours Construction/Grading Permit.
El Paso's Noise ordinance makes it unlawful to produce sound that is discernible beyond the property line and exceeds 70 dBA between 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. at the receiving property. Construction outside the City's established work hours generally requires an after-hours permit. See Section 9.40.030 and the after-hours construction provisions in Title 18.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (nighttime cap of <=70 dBA measured at the receiving property if the sound is discernible beyond the source property line; City Code Section 9.40.030).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00
Decibel limits
70 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
06:00-22:00 (Mon-Sat established construction hours; outside these hours requires an After-Hours Construction/Grading Permit).
Weekends: Sundays and legal holidays: not permitted without an After-Hours Construction/Grading Permit.
Lawn equipment
No separate lawn equipment schedule; follow general noise rules and the 22:00-07:00 nighttime cap.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Outdoor amplified sound associated with businesses is regulated; nighttime sound discernible beyond the property line may not exceed 70 dBA (22:00-07:00). Outdoor amplified sound after midnight generally requires permit authorization and is subject to conditions.
Typical fines
Class C misdemeanor; fine up to $500 per violation; each day or act may be a separate offense.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 for non-emergency noise; call Police for active disturbances.. 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.elpasotexas.gov/311 or call 311 for non-emergency noise; call Police for active disturbances.. 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 - El Paso limits nighttime sound that is audible beyond the property line. From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. it cannot exceed about 70 dBA at nearby properties. Could you please lower the volume during those hours? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we are experiencing recurring late-night noise that appears to exceed El Paso's Chapter 9.40 standard (discernible beyond the property line and over 70 dBA between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Could you remind occupants or contractors of the rule and help resolve this? I can share a brief log if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: El Paso City Code Chapter 9.40 - Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If the source is a business with outdoor sound, ask if an amplified sound or after-hours permit is in effect and note any listed permit number.
- When documenting, note where you stood (on the receiving property) and the time window, since the 70 dBA cap applies 22:00-07:00.
- For construction noise outside 06:00-22:00 Mon-Sat or on Sundays/holidays, mention the After-Hours Construction/Grading Permit requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.