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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Houston, 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: 22:01-07:59
Weekends/holidays: 22:01-07:59
Construction weekdays: No fixed citywide hours; must meet Chapter 30 limits (65 dBA day / 58 dBA night at receiving residences).
Construction weekends: No fixed citywide hours; must meet Chapter 30 limits. Outdoor amplified sound by establishments is prohibited 02:00-08:00.
In Houston, residential nighttime sound is limited to 58 dBA between 22:01-07:59. See the official ordinance for details.
Residential quiet hours
22:01-07:59
Weekends & holidays: 22:01-07:59
Decibel limits
65 dBA daytime / 58 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
No fixed citywide hours; must meet Chapter 30 limits (65 dBA day / 58 dBA night at receiving residences).
Weekends: No fixed citywide hours; must meet Chapter 30 limits. Outdoor amplified sound by establishments is prohibited 02:00-08:00.
Lawn equipment
Not specified.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
At residential receiving property: 65 dBA (08:00-22:00) and 58 dBA (22:01-07:59). Establishments near homes need permits for late-night amplified sound; no outdoor amplified sound 02:00-08:00.
Typical fines
Up to $2,000 per violation.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via HPD Non-Emergency (713-884-3131) or online report.. 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.houstontx.gov/police/alert_slip/ or call HPD Non-Emergency (713-884-3131) or online report.. 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 neighbor - Houston's nighttime noise limit kicks in at 10:01 p.m. Would you mind lowering the volume after that? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we're experiencing noise exceeding Houston's Chapter 30 nighttime limits (after 10:01 p.m.). Could you please remind the tenant and help resolve this?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30 - Noise and Sound Level Regulation
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Ask HPD to take a reading at the receiving property line (that is how Chapter 30 is enforced).
- If a bar is the source, note whether it has a sound permit and the time of day.
- Record short video from your property line to document the noise period.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.