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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Garland, TX
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Decibel limits are measured at the property boundary. L10 refers to the tenth percentile sound level, and L90 refers to the ninetieth percentile sound level (ambient). Violations occur if the L1 sound level exceeds 15 dBA above the ambient L90 level in residential zones, or if L10 or L90 limits are exceeded. Measurement periods are 10-30 minutes. Industrial zones maintain 85 dBA (L10) / 75 dBA (L90) for both day and night."
AI Executive Summary
Garland, TX noise ordinances, outlined in Article V, Chapter 22 of the City's Code, prohibit unreasonable noises detrimental to public peace. Specific decibel limits apply to residential (65 dBA day/60 dBA night), commercial (72 dBA day/67 dBA night), and industrial (85 dBA day/night) zones. Quiet hours generally run from 10 PM to 7 AM, with stricter rules for certain activities like power equipment and refuse collection. Violations incur penalties.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating power equipment outdoors in residential zones is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Power equipment 5 horsepower or less shall not exceed 74 dBA at 50 feet; over 5 horsepower shall not exceed 82 dBA at 50 feet. Sweeping, blowing, or vacuuming nonresidential property with mechanical devices is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if within 500 feet of a residential area, unless a variance is obtained.
Amplified Sound
Loudspeakers or other sound sources in public entertainment venues exceeding 100 dBA (slow response) require a conspicuous warning sign at each public entrance stating 'WARNING: SOUND LEVELS WITHIN MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT.' Powered model mechanical devices (e.g., model aircraft) are prohibited in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or if they violate general sound levels.
Animals
The City's health code includes provisions for 'Animal nuisance prohibited.'
Vehicles
The City's Code includes a section (§ 22.71) on 'Motor vehicles, motorcycles' regarding noise control, but specific details were not provided in the search results.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Garland protect residents from noise?
65 dB day / 60 dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Garland, TX?
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Garland's quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Garland?
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Garland's residential noise limits: 65 dBA (L10) / 55 dBA (L90) dB(A) during the day and 60 dBA (L10) / 50 dBA (L90) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 72 dBA (L10) / 62 dBA (L90). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Garland?
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Call the Garland police non-emergency line at 972-485-4840. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 972-485-6400. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Garland?
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Garland's noise violation penalties: Violations of Article V (Noise Control) of the City of Garland Code are subject to penalties as outlined in Section 22.79, but specific fine amounts were not detailed in the provided search results.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Garland?
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Garland's rules: The City's health code includes provisions for 'Animal nuisance prohibited.'. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 972-205-3570 option 1 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Garland?
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Garland's construction noise rules: Operating power equipment outdoors in residential zones is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Power equipment 5 horsepower or less shall not exceed 74 dBA at 50 feet; over 5 horsepower shall not exceed 82 dBA at 50 feet. Sweeping, blowing, or vacuuming nonresidential property with mechanical devices is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if within 500 feet of a residential area, unless a variance is obtained.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Garland?
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Yes. Garland's ordinance: Loudspeakers or other sound sources in public entertainment venues exceeding 100 dBA (slow response) require a conspicuous warning sign at each public entrance stating 'WARNING: SOUND LEVELS WITHIN MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT.' Powered model mechanical devices (e.g., model aircraft) are prohibited in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or if they violate general sound levels.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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