A Houston business within 300 feet of a residence needs a permit for outdoor amplified sound, must lower it after 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday or 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, and may not use amplified sound from 2–8 a.m. The city overview allows permitted commercial amplified sound up to 75 dB during the earlier hours. Until 2 a.m., the late-night limit is 58 dB measured from a residence or 68 dB measured from the establishment.

Reviewed guide

Noise

Houston, TX · City rule · Reviewed 2026-09-26

A Houston business within 300 feet of a residence needs a permit for outdoor amplified sound, must lower it after 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday or 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, and may not use amplified sound from 2–8 a.m.

Official source: Noise and Sound Ordinance OverviewSource checked 2026-09-26

More about this rule

The rule in plain language

The city overview allows permitted commercial amplified sound up to 75 dB during the earlier hours. Until 2 a.m., the late-night limit is 58 dB measured from a residence or 68 dB measured from the establishment.

What to keep in mind

This answer covers commercial establishments and amplified sound, not every residential or neighborhood noise source. The city can cite an establishment that lacks a required permit or exceeds its permit limits, and repeated violations can lead to suspension or revocation.

Official source

Noise and Sound Ordinance Overview

City rule: City of Houston · retrieved-2026-09-25 · Source checked 2026-09-26 · Reviewed 2026-09-26

Civic education, not legal advice. Rules can change.

Noise

The rule in plain language

What to keep in mind

Official source

Comments

Your public profile

Noise

The rule in plain language

What to keep in mind

Official source

Comments

Community discussion

Your public profile

Community ideas connected to this guide