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Austin Noise Regulations and Complaint Guide

Austin uses audibility rules for general noise and source-specific sound-equipment limits. Outdoor music venues have permit-specific conditions.

Content reviewed: . Original research snapshot: 2026-10-27. Individual source capture and online-check dates are listed below.

Where to start

  1. Use the official complaint page to choose the category that matches the observed source.
  2. Record dates, duration, receiving location and factual context; phone sound levels are reference readings.
  3. Keep the Service Request number if one is issued, and follow the agency’s instructions for any follow-up.
Open official Austin guidance (opens a new tab)

311 / Austin Police non-emergency: 311 (3-1-1)

For immediate danger, use local emergency services. For other incidents, follow the official page’s category and police-response instructions.

Rules by sound source

All times are local to Austin (America/Chicago). Allowed work hours, restricted windows and periods when a standard applies have different meanings. Check zoning, holidays, permits and exceptions in the cited source.

general

General nighttime audibilityRule with conditions

Noise audible to an adjacent business or residence

Provision: Austin City Code Chapter 9-2; official Amplified Sound Process — general restrictions

Measurement point: adjacent business/residence

  • not audible to adjacent business or residence

    Night

    Standard period: Daily, 22:30–07:00 (ends the following day)

General restriction from the official Amplified Sound Process deck.

The general business sound-equipment example is not an authorization for an outdoor music venue; the actual permit controls its hours and limits.

amplified sound

Residential sound equipmentRule with conditions

Sound equipment in a residential area

Provision: Austin City Code Chapter 9-2; official Amplified Sound Process — residential sound equipment

Measurement point: property line / beyond property line

  • not audible beyond property line

    Night/morning

    Standard period: Daily, 22:00–10:00 (ends the following day)

  • 75 dBA · 75 dB

    Day/evening

    Standard period: Daily, 10:00–22:00

Applies to sound equipment, not all neighborhood noise.

The general business sound-equipment example is not an authorization for an outdoor music venue; the actual permit controls its hours and limits.

Business sound equipmentRule with conditions

Sound equipment at a business

Provision: Austin City Code Chapter 9-2; official Amplified Sound Process — business sound equipment

Measurement point: business property line

  • 85 dBA · 85 dB

    Operating window

    Standard period: Daily, 10:00–02:00 (ends the following day)

  • not audible at property line

    Closed window

    Standard period: Daily, 02:00–10:00

Outdoor Music Venue permits may impose site-specific hours/dB limits.

The general business sound-equipment example is not an authorization for an outdoor music venue; the actual permit controls its hours and limits.

Outdoor music venue permitsPermit-specific

Outdoor music venue with a permit

Provision: Austin Noise and Amplified Sound Enforcement — Outdoor Music Venue permit conditions

Measurement point: permit-specific

  • permit-specific sound impact plan

    Permit-specific

    Standard period: Daily, 00:00–24:00

An OMV permit can be more restrictive than the general 85 dB rule.

The general business sound-equipment example is not an authorization for an outdoor music venue; the actual permit controls its hours and limits.

Official sources and review context

Saved-source review and online retrieval are different checks. Some sites block automated retrieval; an unavailable recheck is shown below. Open the official source to confirm the current wording and any later amendments.

Related Practical Guides

Document recurring noise

Keep a factual chronology for management or official follow-up.

Phone measurement limits

Understand reference readings and prescribed official measurements.

Start with one clear record.

Recording is free; new PDF reports require Pro. Your records stay on your phone until you choose to share.

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