Filing a Noise Complaint in San Antonio

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.

More information on noise ordinances in the State of Texas

What to Do if a Noise Complaint Doesn’t Work

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.