Houston, TX
Noise Code

General construction or demolition, including tool and equipment use, is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sound from these activities must not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured from the nearest residential property. Mechanically powered lawn or garden tools are also permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., not exceeding 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential property.

A permit is required for outdoor amplified sound exceeding specified levels. Permitted amplified sound generally cannot exceed 75 dB(A) when measured from the nearest receiving property. Equipment under a standard permit cannot be operated between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Commercial establishments within 300 feet of a residence require a permit for amplified sound audible outdoors after 10:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) or 11:00 p.m. (Friday-Saturday). Outdoor amplified sound by commercial establishments is prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Amplified sound from motor vehicles is prohibited if it exceeds limits or is plainly audible at 50 feet.

The keeping of any animal or bird that causes or makes frequent or long and continued sound which unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of ordinary, reasonable persons in the vicinity is prohibited and declared a sound nuisance. A barking dog is a violation if it occurs for more than 15 consecutive minutes per incident, and a nuisance if there are incidents on 8 or more separate days in a 30-day period. Barking plainly audible from 100 feet for more than five minutes is a petty misdemeanor.

The use of any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in such a manner as to create loud and unreasonable grating, grinding, rattling or any other loud and unreasonable sound is prohibited. Operation of a sound amplifier in a vehicle that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet is presumed to be a violation.