The City of San Antonio noise ordinance is in place to keep noise at a reasonable level for residents. We all know that noise can get out of hand sometimes. Whether it’s intentional or not, violating the law can come with some consequences.
If you’ve exhausted your other options – like speaking to the person/people making the noise, contacting the landlord or property manager, etc. – it may be time to submit a noise complaint.
How to File a Noise Complaint in San Antonio
In San Antonio noise complaints are handled by the SAPD. The easiest way to file a noise complaint in San Antonio is to call 311. This is a general information and support line that will connect you with the appropriate resource. You can call 311 in just about any city.
If you prefer to contact the department directly, call (210) 207-7273 or call Code Enforcement at (210) 207-1111. You can also submit complaints to Code Enforcement online.
When you call, provide the following details:
The date and time that the noise occurred on
How often the noise happened, and for how long
A description of the noise, the volume, and whether you have evidence (like a video)
How the noise affected you
Contact information for other witnesses
Providing this information will help your report be successful.
What Happens When You File a Noise Complaint?
When you file a report, it will be reviewed by the prosecution office, and may result in a trial in municipal court. If this happens, you may need to testify in the trial.
You’ll be given a reference number when you file the complaint, which you can use to check on its status. Call either of the numbers listed above to do so.
If a fine is issued, it will be between $100 and $500, assuming the person who violated the noise ordinance did so unintentionally. The fine may be significantly higher for intentional or excessive violations. The minimum fine raises to $200 and $300 for the 2nd and 3rd violations.
It’s important to note that each day is treated as a separate violation. This means that an ongoing problem can result in multiple fines.
What is a Valid Noise Complaint in San Antonio?
The City of San Antonio has different decibel limits for residential, business, industrial, and entertainment zones, as well as different quiet hours on Friday and Saturday.
In residential zones, Monday through Thursday, noise cannot exceed 63 decibels from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This limit drops to 56 decibels at night – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
If a decibel meter is used, the reading must come from the edge of your property. If your neighbor is playing loud music at their house, but a meter reads it as 63 decibels from your property, they are entirely within their legal right.
Note that some establishments may have permits that allow them extra leniency for certain time periods. Especially consider this if your complaint is about a business or event.
Note also that the noise must be continuous or repeated to be considered a nuisance.
Noise complaints can fail to solve your problem for a number of reasons, such as:
The noise is annoying but is technically legal
Your report went unanswered
You are unable to obtain evidence of the noise when it’s happening
You’re worried about needing to testify in court
You’re trying to stop your own noise from bothering others
Sometimes, the best option is the simplest one: blocking the noise. Noise can leak into your house from any crack or crevice, especially old or basic windows. In San Antonio soundproofing windows is as easy as filling out a form.
Sun and Sound Windows handles window soundproofing from start to finish – measuring, making, and installing soundproof window inserts to make sure the final product is as effective as possible. Our inserts block up to 95% of noise depending on the source.
Soundproof window inserts match any aesthetic, don’t interfere with your existing windows, and can be made to fit any size. They are quick to install, and don’t require major construction like replacing a window.
Take action today to make your home a quieter place.
The general State of Texas noise ordinance outlines basic laws for noise in all counties. Individual municipalities may have their own laws, which always take precedence.
There are no county-wide noise ordinances either, but some larger cities extend their ordinances to nearby areas. For example: in Harris County, Texas, noise ordinance laws generally align with the City of Houston, or may outright state that they follow Houston’s noise ordinance.
If a city has no noise ordinance, assume it follows the state ordinance.
What is the decibel limit in Texas?
Texas penal code states that “a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.”
Individual ordinances vary from 50 to 85, depending on city, zoning, the day, and the time.
What time is noise ordinance in Texas?
There are no state-wide quiet hours in Texas, but most cities follow the same times:
Day (high decibel limit): 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Night (low decibel limit) 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Many cities also have modifications for weekends.
How do I file a noise complaint in Texas?
For most cities, and most noise complaints, you can call 311 to start the process of filing a noise complaint. This is an informational service that will connect you with the proper authorities. Many cities have other options, including dedicated phone numbers, online forms, or email addresses. Filing a noise complaint in Dallas, for example, can be done through an app.
What happens when you file a noise complaint?
Most often, the first offense results in a warning, typically issued by a police officer or code enforcement officer. Repeat offenders may be fined, starting at $200, and varying by city. In some situations, action may be taken to prevent the noise from continuing.
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Click on a community to see more information about its sound ordinance.
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Allen
No noise ordinance
Alvin
Noise Ordinance
Residential
65 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
60 dB(A) at night (6:00 PM to 7:00 AM)
Commercial & Mixed Property
70 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
70 dB(A) at night (6:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
An excessive noise violation shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Contact
Alvin Code Violation Department
Phone:Â (281) 388-4325
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
A violation of the Arlington noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a fine of less than $500.
Outdoor festival penalty is a fine of less than $2000.
Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
Arlington Police Department
Phone:Â (817) 459-6777
If a violation occurs and it is impractical to contact the noise originator, contact the Police Department. Provide the following information:
If your incident is not on the list of incidents that may be reported online, please call our non-emergency line (listed above) and request to file your report either in person or via telephone.
For general noises call the benbrook compliance department: (817) 249-6078Â
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
For questions or concerns regarding noise, please contact the Police Department.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Noise between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. created at official municipal functions for which a special event permit has been issued are also permitted.
Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined in a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars and no/100 ($500.00), and each and every day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense; provided, however, such penal provision shall not preclude a suit to enjoin such violation.
For questions or concerns regarding noise, please contact the Police Department.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Dallas
Noise Ordinance
Monday – Friday
70 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
60 dB(A) at night (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
Saturdays & Holidays
70 dB(A) during the day (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
60 dB(A) at night (7:00 PM – 8:00 AM)
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a noise ordinance waiver.
Fines
A violation of the Dallas noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a fine of less than $2000.
Simply call 3-1-1 when inside Dallas’ city limits.
You may also access Dallas 3-1-1 by calling (214) 670-3111 from any location.
When the responding officer responds, provide them with the necessary details concerning the noise complaint. Remember to specify the exact date of the noise disturbance, even if it’s been an ongoing problem. Include crucial information such as the frequency, duration, time of day, volume, and intensity of the noise.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a noise ordinance waiver.
Fines
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation or failure to comply occurs or continues to occur.
Contact
Denton Police Department
Phone: (940) 349-8181
Denton Animal Service Department
Phone: (940) 349-7594
Call the Denton Animal Service Department for barking dogs. For all other noise complaints, call the Denton Police Department while the noise is occurring.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
If the violation is not corrected within a given amount of time, the individual can be taken to a justice of the peace court … the fines can be anywhere from $10 to $200 for the first offense. Those fines are for the county. Violations are punishable by $500.
Contact
Hay’s County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (512) 393-7800
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
A violation of the Euless noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a fine of less than $500.
Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
Euless Code Compliance Department
Phone: (817) 685-1507
Euless Animal Department
Phone: (817) 685-1592
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
70 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday-Saturday)
60 dB(A) at night (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM Monday-Thursday, 2:00 AM – 7:00 AM Friday-Saturday)
Commercial/Mixed
80 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday-Saturday)
70 dB(A) at night (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM Monday-Thursday, 2:00 AM – 7:00 AM Friday-Saturday)
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
A violation of the Forth Worth noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a fine of less than $500.
Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
Fort Worth Police Department
Phone: (817) 392-1234
Call and provide the following information:
address and description of noise
time of incident
other pertinent details
You will be advised to maintain a complaint log for 7 to 10 days beginning with the date that the complaint is filed. The information in the log must contain the date, times and duration of the noise nuisance.
Those activities that are conducted within Pizza Hut Park are exempt so long as they are conducted during the following hours:
Sunday-Thursday: From 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday: From 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Fines
Any entity violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined a sum not exceeding $500. Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
Frisco Police Department
Phone: (972) 292-6010
Noise violations (i.e., barking dogs, construction site machinery, loud music, etc.) may be reported to the Police Department at 972-292-6010.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
An offense under this Chapter is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $2,000, or, if the person has previously been convicted of a violation under this Chapter, by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000
Georgetown Code compliance department Complaints may be made to the City by phone, email, or online form.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined in a sum not to exceeding five hundred dollars and no/100 ($500.00), and each and every day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense; provided, however, such penal provision shall not preclude a suit to enjoin such violation.
Contact
Grapevine Police Department
Phone: (817) 410-8127
For questions or concerns regarding Noise, Please contact the Police Department. Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00. Each hour or portion thereof in which any violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense.
To initiate the process, start by reaching out to the 3-1-1 service request line to obtain a service request number.
Additionally, if you have concerns about potential noise violations, you can report them by contacting the non-emergency line of HPD (listed above).
If you’re looking to apply for a sound amplification permit or want to review the noise ordinance, you can find relevant information on the Noise Ordinance (Sound Amplifying Equipment) webpage.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
A violation of the Irving noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a fine of less than $500.
Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
Phone (animal noises):Â (972) 721-2256
Phone (other noises):Â (972) 273-1010
Phone (other noises – alt):Â (972) 721-2518
If you’re dealing with disruptive animal noises, reach out to the Irving Animal Services Officer (ASO) at (972) 721-2256. The ASO is responsible for investigating such complaints. They’ll inform the pet owner about the concern and offer guidance to address the noise problem effectively.
For different kinds of noises, you can contact the Irving Police Department through their non-emergency lines: (972) 273-1010 or (972) 721-2518. Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
75 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Weekdays, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Weekends)
65 dB(A) at night (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM, 10:00 PM – 10:00 AM Weekends)
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Potential charges reach as high as state law allows ($2,000), per incident, as determined by the municipal judge. With the exception of vehicles out of compliance with the noise ordinance (such as those without a muffler), everyone will receive at least one warning before they are issued a citation
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
85 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Mon-Thurs, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Fri-Sat)
65 dB(A) at night (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM Mon-Thurs, 12:00 AM – 7:00 AM Fri-Sat)
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating noise shall be fined not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person who violates noise is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a ne of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 Upon a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of noise within a 12-month period, said person shall be ned not less than $200 nor more than $2,000.
Contact
League City Police Department
Phone: (281) 332-2566
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined in a sum not to exceeding five hundred dollars and no/100 ($500.00), and each and every day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense; provided, however, such penal provision shall not preclude a suit to enjoin such violation.
Contact
Code Compliance Department
Phone: (972) 219-3600
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
The violation of noise shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1.00 nor exceeding $500.00.
Contact
Lockhart Police Department
Phone: (512) 398-4401
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
An excessive noise violation shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Contact
Magnolia Police Department
Phone (during hours): (281) 356-2500
Phone (after hours):Â (936) 760-5800
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation or failure to comply occurs or continues to occur.
Contact
McKinney Police Department
Phone: (972) 547-2700
Call the Police Department and give them the address to where the noise is coming from. You can remain anonymous if you desire. If the noise is threatening or indicates violence, call 911.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
An excessive noise violation shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Contact
Pasadena Police Department
Phone: (713) 477-1221
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
The Plano Police Department has introduced tip411. While tip411 is a valuable crime-fighting resource, it’s important to note that it doesn’t replace calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or the non-emergency number for immediate assistance.
Anonymous web noise complain can also be submitted through the tip411 website.
Setting up tip411 on your cell phone involves creating a new contact named “847411” and sending a text to that contact with the keyword “PLANOPD” followed by your noise complain tip. Once sent, you’ll receive confirmation from CitizenObserver that your tip has been forwarded to the Plano Police Department, who may request more details. If you wish to discontinue communication, simply reply “stop” to 847411. Note that standard text message charges might apply.
70 dB(A) during the day (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sun – Thurs, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Fri/Sat)
65 dB(A) at night (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM Sun – Thurs, 12:00 AM – 7:00 AM Fri/Sat)
Nonresidential
85 dB(A) during the day or night
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
The violation of noise that has not been identified as a public nuisance herein shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00; a violation of noise as a public nuisance shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $2,000.00.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Equipment Noise, Friday night through Monday morning
Per the noise ordinance, operating loud equipment is a violation during the hours of:
7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday;
7:00 p.m. Friday night through 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning;
5:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon through 12:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon; and
7:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon through 7:00 a.m. Monday morning.
A noise disturbance is not created by residential lawn maintenance or in the event emergency repairs are required on personal property.
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined in a sum not to exceeding five hundred dollars and no/100 ($500.00), and each and every day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense; provided, however, such penal provision shall not preclude a suit to enjoin such violation.
Contact
Prosper Police Department
Phone: (972) 347-2226
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
The zoning ordinance restricts land uses to areas where they do not conflict with each other; in particular, to protect residential neighborhoods from noisier, busier commercial and industrial uses. Penalties for zoning violations are assessed by a judge and may include fines of up to $2,000 per day, which if necessary may be secured by a property lien.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
“Day” is 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday
“Night” is 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Monday through Thursday
“Day” is 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday
“Night” is 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Friday and Saturday
Residential
63 dB(A) during the day
56 dB(A) at night
Business
70 dB(A) during the day
63 dB(A) at nightÂ
Industrial
72 dB(A) during the day
65 dB(A) at nightÂ
Entertainment
85 dB(A) during the day
78 dB(A) at nightÂ
Exceptions
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
A violation of the San Antonio noise ordinance results in a fine. For a person with no intent to violate the noise ordinance the penalty is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of $100-$500.
For a person who purposefully or even recklessly violates the San Antonio noise ordinance the fine is from $100 to $2,000. For a previous conviction the minimum fine becomes $200. After 2 previous convictions the minimum fine is $300 thereafter.
Each day’s violation is a separate fine.
Contact
San Antonio Police Department:Â (210) 207-7273
Department of Code Enforcement:Â (210) 207-1111
General assistance:Â 311
Firstly, contact the appropriate authorities for assistance by requesting an officer to investigate the matter. You can reach out to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) or the Department of Code Enforcement Alternatively, you can dial 311 for assistance.
When the responding officer arrives, provide them with the necessary details concerning the noise complaint. An investigative report is essential, and it will be prepared by the officer investigating the incident. Remember to specify the exact date of the noise disturbance, even if it’s been an ongoing problem. Include crucial information such as the frequency, duration, time of day, volume, and intensity of the noise. Describe the type of noise (e.g., loud music, live band, party) and explain how it has disrupted your peace (e.g., lack of sleep, inability to work or study).
It’s vital to supply the officer with the names, contact details, and addresses of any witnesses present on the reported date. If you possess any audio recordings or evidence related to the noise, share them as well. After the investigative report is prepared, it will be reviewed by the Prosecution office. If there’s enough evidence to support a charge, the case will proceed, and the person responsible for the noise will be summoned to Municipal Court.
To ensure your involvement in the process, you must be listed as the complainant and be ready to testify if a trial occurs. For updates on the investigation’s status, you can contact the SAPD substation at (210)207-7410 or Code Enforcement at (210)207-1111. When making inquiries, remember to reference the case or report number provided by the responding officer.
Decibel limits and noise ordinance times may be extended with a permit.
Fines
An excessive noise violation shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Contact
San Marcos Police Department
Phone: (512) 753-2108
If your incident is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If your incident is not on the list of incidents that may be reported online, call the non-emergency line above and request to file your report either in person or via telephone.
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Exceptions may be made when the noise or sound was created by persons lawfully using a public facility.
Fines
An excessive noise violation shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Contact
Sugar Land Police Department
Phone: (281) 275-2020
Remember to provide essential details, including the noise’s location and description, the time it occurred, and any other relevant information. Your input will assist in prompt resolution.
Looking for a way to deal with noisy neighbors, loud music, barking dogs, or other nuisances?
Filing a noise complaint or talking to the person responsible is a good step to take, but you can help protect your loved ones from excessive noise permanently by soundproofing your windows.
Soundproofing a window doesn’t need to be difficult or messy. We install soundproof window inserts, which are like secondary glass windows that fit over your existing ones. They block up to 95% of sound from outside, and allow you to still use your window and existing treatments.
Outdoor equipment can be quite noisy. When used too often, or outside of appropriate times, they cause distress and discomfort for others. In some situations, legal action falls into a gray area where the sound may not be loud enough to hold up in a court case. For example:
Broken, noisy air conditioning units
Prolonged noise from generators
Pool pump too loud or running too long
Excessive noise from lawn mower
While annoying, all of these would need to meet some thresholds to be considered a nuisance and thus qualify for legal action:
The noise level exceeds your local ordinance, as measured from the edge of your property
The noise continues for an extended period of time
The noise recurs frequently
My Neighbor’s Pool Pump is Too Loud
Pool pumps are normally quite loud – as loud as 85 dB. That’s as loud as a blender. When a pump is in disrepair, it can be even louder. If your neighbor’s pool is close to your property, this likely violates your local sound ordinance laws. In Houston, the decibel limit for daytime hours on a residential property is 65 dB.
If it’s your own pump – or if your neighbor is willing to cooperate with you to reduce the noise – buying a pump cover can make it more manageable depending on the proximity to your house or property.
How Many Decibels is a Lawn Mower?
Depending on the type of lawn mower, you can expect it to run between 75 and 100 dB. Gas-powered mowers are louder, and are the most common type. This is the reason protective gear is suggested when mowing your lawn, and why professionals wear noise-canceling earmuffs. Just two hours a day of sustained 85 dB noise can cause damage to your hearing.
Air Conditioner Noise Too Loud
Modern window unit air conditioners are fairly quiet out of the box. If your neighbor has a brand new one, it’s likely no louder than 45 dB. Large outdoor units for central air conditioning are much louder, often up to 80 dB. Especially in apartment buildings, these units may be situated quite close to your living space, letting in lots of noise through the windows even late at night. Of course, some units may run louder than others depending on their state of repair.
Can I Submit a Noise Complaint Against My Neighbor?
If the noise is coming from your neighbor, you may be able to get some relief by submitting a formal complaint. First be sure to talk to your neighbor directly to give them a chance to resolve the issue without involving the law. After that, the easiest way to file a complaint is to call 311 or your local police department’s non-emergency line. Some cities, like Dallas, have other options – including a mobile app and a website.
Block Outside Noise Yourself
Filing a noise complaint may not be an option. You may find yourself in one of these situations:
The sound is legally allowed but still annoying
You are particularly sensitive to the sound
Your noise complaints haven’t changed anything
You live outside city limits and thus have no sound ordinance
You don’t want to file a complaint
The sound is from your own equipment
Your best option is to block out the noise yourself. Preventing noise from coming into your home can be as simple as soundproofing the windows closest to the noise. Typical windows are more concerned with energy efficiency, and are not very good at keeping noise out.
We produce and install a product to fix this problem without replacing windows or messy construction of any kind: soundproof window inserts. These inserts install on the interior of your home and are barely noticeable. They are renter and HOA-friendly, and can stop as much as 95% of the noise from outside.
Our inserts aren’t just for blocking AC noise and lawn mower sound. Installing a soundproof window insert means more peace from all sound. Loud music, barking dogs, traffic – anything. Take a look at our FAQ page here, or get started by submitting a free estimate request. It only takes a few minutes – and could greatly improve your quality of life.
When your neighbor’s dog barks all day, it causes distress for you and other nearby neighbors. Dogs bark for a reason, and if it’s an ongoing issue, it’s likely that the dog is bored, lonely, or anxious. This of course is not the dog’s fault, and may be a simple problem for the owner to correct – if they are willing. If not, there are other ways to get some relief.
How to Stop Neighbor’s Dog from Barking
Your neighbor’s dog barking is annoying. But is it legally considered a nuisance? In Texas, a noise generally becomes a nuisance when it’s too loud, lasts a long time, and happens often.
Some cities, however, have specific laws to define nuisance dog barking. In Houston, a dog is considered a nuisance if it meets the following description:
“Substantially interferes with the right to enjoyment of life or property by persons other than the owner by acts including, but not limited to, frequent, long, or continued barking or howling, repeated defecation on property other than that of the owner, or damaging property other than that of the owner”
Talk to your neighbor before submitting a formal complaint about their dog. Calm and civil conversation often solves nuisance disputes before they begin. Furthermore, giving your neighbor the chance to solve the problem on their own may keep relations with them amicable.
If your neighbor isn’t receptive to your complaint, consider speaking to their landlord (if they are a tenant). If you document your complaint in some way, this is also likely to resolve the problem faster if you do need to go the legal route, as you can use it to show an unwillingness to cooperate.
Filing a noise complaint
If the above options fall flat, instead of filling out the form for nuisance dog barking, you can submit a general noise complaint. The easiest way to do this is by calling 311. This is a non-emergency information line that will direct you to the appropriate department for your complaint. Most major cities also have a website or mobile app to submit complaints or service requests through 311. Read more about your options for filing a noise complaint here.
What Happens When I Submit a Dog Barking Noise Complaint?
The first response to a complaint about a dog barking is a warning letter. This gives the owner a chance to fix the problem. Subsequent complaints usually result in one or two fines, and may or may not require legal proceedings. In extreme cases, dogs may be taken away from their owners, or owners may be arrested.
Solving the Problem Yourself
If a noise complaint didn’t solve your problem, or if you’d rather take matters into your own hands first, you have an option: soundproofing your windows.
Windows let in a lot of sound, even when they are closed. Adding a soundproof window insert over your existing window reduces the sound of dogs barking by up to 75% depending on the type of dog. And it’s not just dogs – you’ll also enjoy peace from traffic, music, and any other excessive noise.
It’s important to install soundproof window inserts correctly to ensure maximum efficiency. That’s why Sun and Sound Windows is a full-service company. We measure, manufacture, and install inserts in Houston, Austin, DFW, and nearby communities.
What happens when you file a noise complaint in Texas? If it’s a valid complaint and you live in a city with a reasonable noise ordinance, the offender may get a warning. Repeat offenders may face legal action.
So exactly how do you file a noise complaint against neighbors, and who do you call for a noise complaint? The answer mostly depends on your living situation.
Contact the Landlord
If the person responsible for the noise is renting, their landlord may want to know about their behavior before you involve the law. This is especially true if:
You are also a tenant of the same landlord
There are other neighbors nearby
Their lease or rental agreement has a “Quiet Enjoyment” clause
“The right of a property owner or tenant to enjoy their property without interference.”
This is a clause that requires the landlord to resolve disturbances caused by their tenants, and in extreme cases may empower the landlord to evict unreasonable tenants.
Regardless of what clauses are present, the first line of defense for an apartment noise complaint should be the landlord. If you aren’t renting from the same landlord: look for an on-site office or a sign with a phone number; google search the address and look for the owner’s details; or search property and tax records for your county online.
311 Noise Complaint
Wherever you are, you can always dial 311 for noise complaints. They won’t actually help you submit a noise complaint, but they will connect you to the appropriate service and can provide you with general information.
Public Health Department and Code Enforcement
Do not contact Code Enforcement or the Public Health Department for noise complaints. While they do handle complaints about other nuisances, they will not help with noise complaints.
911 Noise Complaint
Noise complaints are generally not considered emergencies. As such, you should not call 911 for a noise complaint. You can however call the non-emergency line for your police department to report a noise complaint. These numbers are:
Houston: (713) 884-3131
Austin: 311
Dallas: (214) 744-4444
Fort Worth: (817) 392-4222
Austin’s 311 is their official non-emergency line. If you need to reach Austin 311 but you’re outside the area, call (512) 974-2000.
What is the noise ordinance in my area?
Noise ordinances differ by location and may change over time. Noise ordinances are listed in dB (decibels). Daytime noise limits by city include:
Fort Worth – 80 dB, or 70 dB for residential areas
Generally speaking, if the sound is at or above the dB limit as heard from the limits of your property, it’s too loud. There are occasionally caveats for noise ordinances – see the links above for details.
How Loud is 75 dB?
The best way to determine the volume of something precisely is with a decibel meter. If you have an iPhone, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App is accurate enough to use for this purpose. If not, good decibel meters cost about $20-$30 on Amazon.
Using a meter may be a good idea if you plan to build evidence for a stronger complaint and/or ultimately for a court case. However, your ears are likely good enough to decide if the noise is too loud. Here are some common decibel levels to compare to:
Lawnmower – 107 dB
City traffic – 85 dB
Dog barking – 80 dB
Vacuum – 75 dB
Normal conversation – 65 dB
Whispering – 25 dB
Remember that decibel limits apply to how loud they are perceived from other properties. Regardless of how loud the sound is at its source, if it fades enough to be below the threshold before reaching an adjacent property, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Can I file a noise complaint online?
Yes, most cities give you the option to file an anonymous noise complaint online. Many municipalities have 311 websites, apps, and email addresses for this purpose:
There are no county or state sound ordinances in Texas. For nuisance disputes between neighbors outside of city limits, your only legal option is to file a lawsuit. In this situation you will need to provide evidence of the excessive noise yourself. This is the right time to invest in a decibel meter.
Alternative to filing a noise complaint
Sometimes a noise complaint won’t cut it, such as when:
The noise is annoying even though it’s technically within the decibel limit
You’re outside city limits
Law enforcement won’t do anything
The noise isn’t sustained long enough to be considered a nuisance
The noise is environmental like traffic or trains
Hope is not lost. In situations like these, you still have some control. Soundproofing your home is a long term investment and is an action you can take right now to gain some peace and quiet.
Windows are one of the weakest points in a soundproofed room. Properly installed soundproof window inserts fix this problem without sacrificing the aesthetic and functionality of your home. We provide free, no obligation estimates for custom soundproof window inserts. Get in touch with us today and see what your options are. We’re here to help!
Exposure to noise is taking years of our lives. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 million years of life are collectively lost around the world each year from noise pollution alone. We’ve grown to accept noise as part of daily life in the modern world – which is exactly why noise pollution is a dangerous issue.
How Does Noise Affect Health?
Short and infrequent exposure to loud noise isn’t an issue. Our bodies are perfectly capable of handling that. Issues arise when we are subject to constant or frequent noise – even at night.
“You never turn your ears off; when you’re asleep, you’re still listening. So those responses, like your heart rate going up, that’s happening whilst you’re asleep” (BBC).
Excessive exposure to elevated noise can induce all of the following and more:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Stress
Hypertension
Depression
Sleep deprivation
Each of these symptoms can directly impact your lifespan, and are themselves detrimental to your quality of life in general.
How Noise Pollution Affects Children
In addition to all of the effects on adults, children have specific risks from noise pollution. Noise affects children even before birth – perhaps the most alarming risk is low birth weight, a condition which puts them at risk for:
After birth, children who are subject to ongoing elevated noise experience learning delays due to the inability to focus. Hearing damage and other health problems from noise pollution build up over time; as such, a child in a noisy environment is being set up for a lifetime of risks.
Measuring noise levels for the purpose of health and safety is done by averaging out your exposure to noise over a period of time. Additionally, it’s important to remember that decibels (dB) increase exponentially. For example: spending 10 hours in a workplace at 80 dB has the same effect as spending 1 hour in a 90 dB environment. We measure noise exposure this way because typical complications from noise pollution happen gradually over time.
There are, of course, certain limits that are simply too loud for any period of exposure. NIHL, or noise-induced hearing loss, can occur instantly at 120 dB. Things like emergency sirens, gunshots, fireworks, and some motorcycles can reach levels at or above 120 dB. Other common things like airplanes and helicopters range between 85 dB and 105 dB.
The CDC guidelines for workplace noise allow for 8 hours of exposure to 85 dB. This is enough for potential hearing loss over time, and certainly enough for adverse health effects as described above. Because noise-related damage is measured by average exposure, keeping your home environment well below 55 dB can offset the long-term effects of a loud work or school environment.
As a global society, we know how noise harms children and adults, and have actively chosen to ignore the facts. This is an unfortunate example of the many ways the world’s policies and infrastructure have failed to keep up with research surrounding noise pollution.
Keep Your Family Safe From Noise Pollution
Policy reform for noise pollution isn’t going to happen overnight. In the meantime, it’s up to you to protect yourself and your loved ones from noise pollution. You could file a noise complaint; many cities, including Houston, Austin, and Dallas, even allow you to file noise complaints online.
There are, however, many situations in which this won’t solve your problem. Soundproofing your home or office is the most effective way to keep decibels to appropriate levels, and is an action you can take right now.
The windows in your home are the most likely entry point for the majority of noise. Even in a room protected with soundproofing insulation, a single window can let in enough noise to raise the volume to harmful levels. If you’re worried about noise levels but don’t want to undergo major construction to replace your windows, the easy solution is soundproof window inserts.
Sun and Sound Windows produces and installs soundproof window inserts that can block up to 95% of noise from outside, depending on the pitch. This turns loud traffic into a quiet whisper. They are minimally invasive, undetectable from the exterior of your home, and still allow you to use your windows normally if desired.
You deserve to live in comfort and safety. We’re here to help.
Call us or fill out our short online form to get a free estimate today.
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