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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in San Antonio, Texas
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
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Default quiet hours: No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; enforcement is by decibel limits and specific activity rules.
Weekends/holidays: No universal hours; same rules apply (decibel limits plus activity-specific limits).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-20:00 (<=80 dBA at/over property line; waivers possible for limited activities).
Construction weekends: Saturday 08:00-20:00; Sunday 09:00-17:00; not allowed on listed holidays unless waived.
San Antonio enforces noise primarily through decibel limits (63 dBA at the receiving property line in residential zones) and specific construction hours. See the noise ordinance and construction hours bulletin.
Residential quiet hours
No universal citywide 'quiet hours'; enforcement is by decibel limits and specific activity rules.
Weekends & holidays: No universal hours; same rules apply (decibel limits plus activity-specific limits).
Decibel limits
63 dBA daytime / 63 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-20:00 (<=80 dBA at/over property line; waivers possible for limited activities).
Weekends: Saturday 08:00-20:00; Sunday 09:00-17:00; not allowed on listed holidays unless waived.
Lawn equipment
No standalone schedule published; equipment must comply with the 63 dBA residential property-line limit.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
At residential-zoned property lines, sound must not exceed 63 dBA (Section 21-52(a)(9)). Vehicular amplification audible 30 ft or more is prohibited (Section 21-54). Repeat party responses can be billed city costs (including $150 admin fee) within 60 days (Sections 21-81 to 21-83).
Typical fines
City may issue criminal/civil citations; specific dollar amounts are set by the municipal court and not itemized in Section 21-58.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via SAPD Non-Emergency (210-207-7273) or 311.. 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://311.sanantonio.gov/kb/docs/articles/public-safety/noise-complaints or call SAPD Non-Emergency (210-207-7273) or 311.. 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 - San Antonio enforces noise by decibel limits (63 dBA at residential property lines). It is a bit loud tonight - could we lower the volume? Thanks so much.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, I'm experiencing repeated nighttime noise that appears to exceed San Antonio's residential limit (63 dBA). Could you please address this with the tenant and help prevent future incidents?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: San Antonio Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21, Article III - Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Report while the noise is occurring so officers can measure on-site.
- For construction outside posted hours, ask the contractor if a waiver was approved.
- Document dates/times and, if safe, record brief sound clips to share with responding officers.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.