Denton, TX Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Denton, TX?
| Regulation | Details for Denton, TX |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (940) 349-8181 |
Denton does not specify universal 'quiet hours' with explicit start/end times for all noise types. However, amplified sound requires City Council approval Monday through Saturday after 10 PM, and anytime on Sunday. Construction and demolition work has specific permitted hours: 6 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, June-Sept), 7 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, Oct-May), 8 AM - 8:30 PM (Saturday), and 1 PM - 8:30 PM (Sunday). General noise in multi-family dwellings is unlawful if clearly audible in another unit during the nighttime or anytime on Sunday.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Denton, TX Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Denton, TX?
Denton, TX noise ordinances, outlined in Chapter 17, Section 17-20, aim to protect public health and comfort from excessive noise. The ordinance prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds that cause distress or interfere with private home enjoyment. Decibel limits include 65 dBA daytime for residential areas and 70 dBA for outdoor festivals. Amplified sound after 10 PM or anytime Sunday requires City Council approval. Violations are enforced by police.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dBA (or clearly audible to a person in a residence they don't occupy) | Not specified (unlawful if clearly audible in multi-family dwelling during nighttime or anytime Sunday) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA (at 50 feet from source for bars/restaurants) | Not specified (amplified sound over 70 dBA Mon-Sat after 10PM requires approval; over 65 dBA Sunday anytime requires approval) |
Note: Sound measurements are made using the A-weighting scale on an approved sound-level meter, lasting no less than two minutes. Violations are based on the highest reading, inclusive of ambient noise.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work is permitted: 6 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, June 1 - Sept 30); 7 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, Oct 1 - May 31); 8 AM - 8:30 PM (Saturday); 1 PM - 8:30 PM (Sunday). Special permits may be issued for work outside these hours in cases of urgent necessity or public safety/convenience.
- Amplified Sound:
Requires City Council approval if: Monday through Saturday, after 10 PM; over 70 dBA (Mon-Sat); anytime on Sunday; or over 65 dBA on Sunday. Outdoor music festivals should not exceed 70 dBA at the established perimeter. Use of amplified sound in a motor vehicle is unlawful if clearly audible from more than 35 feet.
- Animals:
Frequent or long-continued noise from animals disturbing the comfort or repose of persons is generally considered a noise nuisance, handled by the Police Department.
- Vehicles:
The use of any radio, stereo, amplifier, or sound amplifying equipment in a motor vehicle at a volume clearly audible from more than 35 feet is unlawful. The creation of loud and excessive noise during the loading or unloading of any vehicle is also prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Denton, TX Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Denton, TX?
Denton does not specify universal 'quiet hours' with explicit start/end times for all noise types. However, amplified sound requires City Council approval Monday through Saturday after 10 PM, and anytime on Sunday. Construction and demolition work has specific permitted hours: 6 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, June-Sept), 7 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Fri, Oct-May), 8 AM - 8:30 PM (Saturday), and 1 PM - 8:30 PM (Sunday). General noise in multi-family dwellings is unlawful if clearly audible in another unit during the nighttime or anytime on Sunday.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Denton, TX?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dBA (or clearly audible to a person in a residence they don't occupy) during the day and Not specified (unlawful if clearly audible in multi-family dwelling during nighttime or anytime Sunday) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Denton, TX?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Denton, TX police non-emergency line at (940) 349-8181. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (940) 349-8743.