The Administrations and Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) requests the approval of various changes to Chapter 30 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances related to Noise and Sound Level Regulation.
At numerous community meetings, Houston residents have complained of various neighborhood nuisances, but noise issues have become among the most prominent complaint. ARA, HPD, and the City Attorney’s Office have extensively reviewed the City’s sound regulations in Chapter 30, and after considering comments and suggestions from residents, bar owners, the Greater Houston Restaurant Association, and other commercial entities, the following amendments to Chapter 30 of the Houston Code of Ordinances are recommended:
- Increase the maximum fine from $1,000 to $2,000.
- Revise the requirement that a permit is issued to an establishment rather than an individual.
- Codify and refine the administrative hearing process for revocation of a permit.
- Codify regulations related to the issuance of a permit for a protest at a residential location.
- Create a commercial establishment sound permit.
- Various non-substantive housekeeping amendments.
The proposed commercial establishment permit will be required for establishments within 300 feet of a residence if playing outdoor amplified sound or sound that can be appreciated outside the identified period. The permit allows the establishment to play amplified music to 75 d(B)A during the following time periods:
- Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The proposed permit allows a commercial establishment to play amplified sound outdoors to the decibel reading cited in 30-5 as measured from the receiving property (68 d(B)A for commercial and 58 d(B)A for residential). The valid time periods are:
- Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Friday – Saturday, 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Permitted commercial establishments will no longer be allowed to play amplified sound from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
These proposed amendments to Chapter 30 were presented by ARA and the Legal Department to the Regulatory and Neighborhood Affairs committee on April 12, 2022.
Departmental Approval Authority:
_______________________________________ __________________________________________
Tina Paez, Director Other Authorization
Administration & Regulatory
Affairs Department