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CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Rick Pruitt, Police Chief
SUBJECT: Staff will discuss a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter
10, Article I, Section 10-8 “Noise Ordinance”.
DATE: June 9, 2025
SUMMARY
Staff will discuss consideration of a future amendments to Chapter 10, Article I, Section 10-8,
“Noise Nuisance” in order to provide regulations for the emission of noise, adopt decibel meters
as an objective means of measuring sound levels, assign decibel tolerances, and identify a point
beyond the noise source where the decibel readings taken.
BACKGROUND
The Alamo Heights Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of City Ordinances
and City Codes addressing citizen concerns for nuisances created by excessive noise or an
excessive level of sound coming from other owned properties in near proximity. Chapter 10,
Article I, Section 10-8 currently addresses noise nuisances created by a variety of activities or
sources carried on in such manner or with such volume, intensity or duration so as to annoy,
distress or disturb other persons in proximity to the noise source.
The sources of noise are unlimited and usually come from a variety of activities. The qualifier
for determining a noise nuisance in Section 10-8 is the person seeking relief from the noise or
sound be of “reasonable nervous sensibilities”. While this is important, Officers have no
objective means of measuring an acceptable range of noise intrusion to qualify the noise is
within “reasonable nervous sensibilities”. Therefore, officers investigating noise complaints
currently have no means of determining some noise or sounds are a nuisance and in violation of
the city code. This leaves officers the only option to request the sound level be lowered by a
representative of the noise source unless the complaining party desire to sign a complaint
promising to appear in Municipal Court as a witness.
Using the City of San Antonio Code Chapter 21, Article III “Noise” as a model, staff has
prepared a reasonable approach to determine violations of the current Section 10-8 in the Alamo
Heights City Codes. Staff is proposing Section 10-8 is repealed and replaced with new Sections
10-10 through 10-18 “Noise and Sound Level Regulation” which provides for the use of a sound
level meter to measure the intensity of the sound or noise level in decibels (dBA). The proposed
new Section 10-13 identifies maximum allowed decibel levels for areas zoned residential
property and slightly higher decibel levels in areas zoned commercial property. There is also a
provision to specifically address noise levels should the City desire a provision in the Code for
special events at any location that has applied for and received a special event permit not
otherwise listed as an exception in the proposed Section 10-15.
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Staff believes this proposal is a comprehensive tool to fairly and equally measure sound and
noise levels to the benefit of those persons disturbed by sound or noise intrusion as well as the
person responsible for the sound or noise. The proposed Section 10-16 provides for a
standardized method of noise measurement so as to provide a proper representation of the noise
being measured by avoiding periods where background noise interferes with the primary noise
being measured. Measurements are taken at a point at the boundary of adjacent public or private
property or on either side of an adjacent public right-of-way at or near the boundary line of the
property where the noise originates
Not all noise and sounds can be avoided under certain circumstances such as emergency
warnings or sirens on emergency vehicles. In other cases sound and noise levels are acceptable
when generated by a permitted public event or celebration or sound produced by any government
body in performance of a government function. This is covered in Section 10-15 “Exceptions”.
That said, all reports or complaints of noise nuisances will be investigated and not assumed.
The proposed new Sections and a brief synopsis of each are as follows:
Section 10-11. Purpose – protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace and
quiet of the citizens of Alamo Heights.
Section 10-12. Definitions and standards – applicable to the new method of noise
measurement, descriptions and locations. Included is a revised subsection (10) within this
Section proposing to limit the time of day lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws
powered by gasoline, battery or electricity may be operated.
Section 10-13. Noise nuisance enumeration – acts declared to be noise nuisances including
those specifically identified and having a maximum decibel level assigned by City Code.
• The making of noise which exceeds sixty-three (63) decibels on residential zoned
property when measured from property under separate ownership.
• The making of noise which exceeds seventy (70) decibels on commercial zoned property
when measured from property under separate ownership.
• The making of noise which exceeds eighty-five (85) decibels from an event having a
Special Event Permit required by the City and not otherwise exempted in Section 10-15.
In response to citizen concerns regarding noise made by lawn equipment a proposed revision to
the current City Code Section 10-10 (e) is as follows;
Prohibited The use of gasoline, battery or electric powered equipment such as, but not limited to,
lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws is only allowed:
• between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in residential, multi-family, and commercial
zoned districts; or
• by lawn service and tree service companies defined as those companies having more than two
(2) employees inclusive of the owner, before 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday and
between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and city-observed
holidays.
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10-14. Vehicular mounted sound amplification systems – specific to music entertainment
using equipment designed to play, amplify and/or cause vibration played in a manner the sound
are not contained within the vehicle.
Section 10-15. Exceptions – circumstances and sources of noise and sounds deemed allowable.
Section 10-16. Method of measurement – procedures to provide a proper representation of a
noise being measured through the use of sound level meter and frequency weighting network
such as A, B or C as specified in American National Standards Institute specifications for
sound level meters (ANSI S1.4-1971). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated,
the A-weighting shall apply.
Sound level meter shall mean an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS
detector, integrator or time averages, output meter, and weighting network used to measure sound
pressure levels.
Section 10-17. Penalties – unlawful acts and fines.
Section 10-18. Identification of violator – determining persons responsible for violations at a
private residence, business or any location with an unattended noise source.
The police department already has sound level meters in some patrol vehicles. The sound level
meters have been used to measure decibel levels when a noise complaint has been received. The
current Section 10-8 does not provide for dBA levels as a means of determining noise or sound
violations. Therefore, sound level meter readings could not be used as evidence in a case where a
citation was issued.
FISCAL IMPACT
The current inventory of sound level meters is twelve years old. The purchase of replacement
sound level meters having the latest technology for accurately determining the dBA of sounds or
noise levels is desired. Cost of qualified sound level meters is $250.00 each. Total cost for eight
patrol vehicles is $2,000. The sound level meters will be purchase from budgeted funds of the
police department.
POLICY ANALYSIS
The City Council has the authority to pass Ordinances to protect the citizens against
unreasonable noise within the corporate limits of Alamo Heights and authorize the City Manager
or designee to take all necessary steps to implement the provisions of the Ordinance.
COORDINATION
• This proposal was discussed with City Council during the FY2022-2023 Strategic Action
Planning meeting and previously presented to City Council on February 27, 2023
• The City Manager has reviewed the current draft of the proposed Ordinance. The City
Attorney was provided a copy of the draft Ordinance.
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ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Proposed Draft Ordinance
Attachment B – Section 10-8 of the current Noise Nuisance Codes
______________________
Rick Pruitt
Police Chief
______________________
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager
Attachment A
Page 1 of 7
ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMO
HEIGHTS, TEXAS AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 10, MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND OFFENSES,
ARTICLE I IN GENERAL BY REPEALING SECTION 10-8 NOISE
ORDINANCE AND ADDING SECTIONS 10-11 THROUGH 10-18 NOISE
AND SOUND LEVEL REGULATION TO SET FORTH PERMISSIBLE
SOUND LEVELS AND ESTABLISH THE ENFORCEMENT THEREOF
IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS AGAINST UNREASONABLE
NOISE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ALAMO
HEIGHTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO
TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
REPEALING ANY OTHER CODE PROVISIONS, ORDINANCES, OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES, AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; INCORPORATING RECITALS; AND ADOPTING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights has determined that there is
a need for strengthening the regulations for the emission of noise and sound levels, to help in
protecting the users of property who are in close proximity to others who are creating noise or an
excessive level of sound from the harmful effects and inconvenience of such sounds and to help
promote a peaceful community within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights, Texas desires to amend
Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Miscellaneous Provisions and Offenses, Article I, In
General by repealing Section 10-8 and adding Sections 10-11 through 10-18, Noise and Sound
Level Regulation in order to preserve, protect, and promote public health and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS THAT:
SECTION ONE. AMENDMENT. Municipal Code of Ordinance Chapter 34
Environment is hereby amended by adding Article VII Noise and Sound Level Regulation and
shall read as follows:
“Chapter 10 Miscellaneous Provisions and Offenses
Section 10-8 Noise Ordinance – Repealed
Section 10-11 through 10-18 Noise and Sound Level Regulation
Attachment A
Page 2 of 7
Section 10-11. Purpose.
The ordinance from which this article is derived is enacted to protect, preserve, and promote the
health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet of the citizens of the City through the reduction, control,
and prevention of loud and raucous noise, or any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or
endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary
sensitivity
Section 10-12. Definitions and standards.
[As used in this division the following words and terms shall have the meanings
respectively ascribed:]
A-weighted sound level shall mean the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a
sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
dB(A) shall mean the intensity of a sound expressed in decibels.
Daytime/evening shall mean the hours between eight o'clock a.m. and five o'clock p.m.,
Sunday through Thursday and five o'clock p.m. and eleven o'clock p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Director shall mean Community Development Director.
Impulsive sound shall mean sound of short duration, usually less than one second, with an
abrupt onset and rapid decay. Examples of sources of impulsive sound include explosions, drop
forge impacts, and the discharge of firearms.
Nighttime shall mean the hours between ten o'clock p.m. and six o'clock a.m., Sunday
through Thursday and eleven o'clock p.m. and six o'clock a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Noise nuisance shall mean any loud, irritating, vexing or disturbing sound originating from
a nearby property under separate ownership which causes injury, discomfort, or distress of a
person of reasonable nervous sensibilities.
Public right-of-way means any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, sidewalk, alley, or
similar place normally accessible to the public which is owned or controlled by a government
entity.
Residential area means any real property which contains a structure or building in which
one or more persons reside, provided that the structure or building is properly zoned, or is
legally nonconforming, for residential use in accordance with the terms and maps of the City's
zoning ordinance.
Sound level shall mean the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level
meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
Sound level meter shall mean an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS
detector, integrator or time averages, output meter, and weighting network used to measure
sound pressure levels.
Attachment A
Page 3 of 7
Section 10-13. Noise nuisance enumeration.
(a) The following acts, among others not hereinafter enumerated, are declared to be
"noise nuisances," and are unlawful and in violation of the provisions of this division
when such acts are done or accomplished or carried on in such a manner, or with such
volume, intensity, or with continued duration, so as to annoy, to distress, or to disturb
the quiet, comfort, or repose of a person of reasonable nervous sensibilities, within
the vicinity or hearing thereof, or so as to endanger or injure the safety or health of
humans or animals, or so as to interfere with the physical well-being of humans or
animals, or so as to endanger or injure personal or real property:
(1) The playing or permitting or causing the playing of any radio, phonograph, drum,
juke box, nickelodeon, any musical instrument, with or without a sound amplifier
or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound.
(2) Any loud or vociferous language or any soliciting for, or description of, any
amusement house, moving picture theater, or other like place of amusement, or
for the performance therein, in the entrance thereto, the foyer or lobby thereof, or
on the sidewalks adjoining the same.
(3) The keeping of any animal, fowl or bird, which makes frequent or long continued
noise.
(4) The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or other signal device on any
automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle, except as a danger signal.
(5) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary
internal combustion engine, automobile, motorcycle, other motor vehicle or boat,
except through a muffler or other device which prevents loud or explosive noises
therefrom.
(6) The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work, or the
causing or permitting thereof, on any building or other structure, or the operation
or the permitting or causing the operation of any tools or equipment used in
construction, excavation, drilling, demolition, alteration or repair work:
a. Other than eight o’clock a.m. and five o’clock p.m. on weekdays, except City
holidays; or
b. Except in cases of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and
convenience, and then only by permit obtained from, and issued by the
Community Development Director of the city or any of its duly appointed and
acting assistants and employees, which permit may be renewed during the
time the emergency exists.
Attachment A
Page 4 of 7
(7) The raucous shouting, whistling, yelling, singing, hooting or crying of peddlers,
hawkers, vendors, or any other person or persons.
(8) The making of noise which exceeds sixty-three (63) decibels on residential zoned
property when measured from property under separate ownership.
(9) The making of noise which exceeds seventy (70) decibels on business zoned
property when measured from property under separate ownership.
(10) The making of noise which exceeds (85) decibels from any event having a Special
Event Permit required by the City and not otherwise exempted in Section 10-15.
(11) Prohibited The use of gasoline, battery or electric powered equipment such as, but
not limited to, lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws is only
allowed:
• between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in residential, multi-family, and
commercial zoned districts; or
• by lawn service and tree service companies defined as thopse companies having
more than two (2) employees inclusive of the owner, before 8:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m., Monday thru Friday and between the hours of 10:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m.on
Saturday, Sunday and city-observed holidays.
(b) Not limiting. The above list is only a number of examples of "noise nuisances" and is
not intended to limit the definition of that term or the prohibitive application of this
chapter in abating "noise nuisances."
Section 10-14. Vehicular mounted sound amplification systems.
It shall be unlawful for any person operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a
public or private place within the city to operate any sound amplifier which is part of, or
connected to, any radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette player, or other similar
device in the motor vehicle, in such a manner that, when operated, is audible at a distance of
thirty (30) or more feet from the source or, when operated causes a person to be aware of the
vibration accompanying the sound in any location outside the confines of the vehicle emitting the
sound, noise, or vibration. A culpable mental state is not necessary to constitute a violation of
this section.
Section 10-15. Exceptions.
The provisions of this division shall not apply to:
(1) The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to an emergency; or
Attachment A
Page 5 of 7
(2) Sound produced by emergency vehicles; or
(3) Sound produced by a vehicle motor while the vehicle is moving on a public right-
of-way, public waterway, airport runway, or railway; or
(4) Sound produced by any governmental body in the performance of a governmental
function; or
(5) City sponsored or co-sponsored or approved parades and public events; or
(6) Sound generated at a scheduled stadium event; by parade spectators and
participants on the parade route during a permitted parade; by outdoor celebration
participants sponsored or co-sponsored by the city for the general welfare of the
public; by patrons and participants using cannons and gunfire during historical
battle reenactments for which a pyrotechnic permit has been obtained and the
explosives have been inspected and approved by the fire marshal; includes
pyrotechnic displays that are inspected and approved by the city fire marshal; or
(7) Sound produced by the operation of any air-conditioning unit, heat pump, or
swimming pool machinery which does not produce a sound exceeding sixty-three
(63) dBA on residential property or seventy (70) dBA on non-residential property,
when measured at a distance of either fifteen (15) feet from the equipment
producing the sound, or to the nearest exterior wall of a residential or commercial
building under separate ownership, whichever distance is shorter; or
(8) Sound produced solely for the purpose of encouraging citizen participation in
elections.
Section 10-16. Method of noise measurement.
Whenever portions of this chapter prohibit noise over a certain decibel limit,
measurement of said noise shall be made with a decibel meter meeting the standards prescribed
by the American National Standards Institute. The instruments shall be maintained in calibration
and good working order. Calibration corrections shall be employed in meeting the response
specifications prior to every sampling of noise. Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to
provide a proper representation of the noise being measured. The microphone shall be positioned
so as not to create any unnatural enhancement or diminution of the measured noise. A
windscreen for the microphone shall be used. Traffic, aircraft and other transportation noise
sources and other background noises shall not be considered in taking measurements except
where such background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured. Measurements
may be taken at a point on adjacent public or private property or on either side of an adjacent
public right-of-way at or near the boundary line of the property where the noise is generated.
Section 10-17. Penalties.
Attachment A
Page 6 of 7
(a) It shall be unlawful for a person to do or perform any act prohibited by this article,
and it shall be unlawful for a person to fail to do or perform any act required by this
article. A violation of this article is a class C misdemeanor offense, no culpable
mental state or criminal intent is required, and upon conviction, a person shall be
fined an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than five
hundred dollars ($500.00).
(b) Unless otherwise specifically provided for in this article, if it is found that a person
intentionally, knowingly or recklessly violated any provision of this article, then upon
conviction a person shall be fined an amount not less than one hundred dollars
($100.00) and not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) except that, in the
event a person has once previously been convicted under this article, the person shall
be fined an amount not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) and shall be fined not
less than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for a third conviction and for each
conviction thereafter.
(c) Nothing in this section shall limit the remedies available to the city in seeking to
enforce the provisions of this chapter. Each day's violation thereof shall constitute a
separate offense.
Section 10-18. Identification of violator.
The persons responsible for violations of this division are identified as follows:
(1) At private residences. Any adult resident present at the time of the offense, and
any adult guest or adult trespasser with the ability to control the level of noise at
the time of the offense when no adult resident is present at the time of the offense.
(2) At business locations. Any business owner, operator, manager, employee in
charge, and all persons in control or in possession of the noise nuisance
generating instrument or property at the time of the offense.
(3) At any location with an unattended noise nuisance producing machine, device,
instrument, child, animal or combination of same. Any person who leaves
unattended any machine, instrument, device, child, animal, or any combination of
same, which thereafter commences producing noise in violation of this article.
The ordinance from which this article is derived is enacted to protect, preserve, and promote the
health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet of the citizens of the City through the reduction, control,
and prevention of loud and raucous noise, or any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or
endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary
sensitivity.
Secs. 10-19. – 10-30. – Reserved.
Attachment A
Page 7 of 7
SECTION TWO. AUTHORIZATION. The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights
authorizes the City Manager or designee to take all necessary steps to implement the provisions
of this Ordinance.
SECTION THREE. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or
phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or illegal, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby
declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause, or phrase
thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or
phrases be declared void.
SECTION FOUR. REPEALER. All other Code provisions, ordinances or parts of
ordinances, and other provisions in conflict herewith are repealed to the extent of said conflict.
SECTION FIVE. FINDINGS. The City Council finds all of the above recitals to be true
and correct and incorporates the same in this Ordinance as findings of fact.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately from
and after its passage and publication as may be required by governing law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 2025.
CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS:
ALBERT HONIGBLUM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ELSA T. ROBLES, CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________________
FRANK J. GARZA, CITY ATTORNEY
§ 10-8. Noise nuisances.
(a) Defined.A "noise nuisance" is any loud, irritating, vexing or disturbing noise which causes
distress, annoyance, discomfort, or injury to, or which interferes with the comfort and
repose of, any person or persons of normal nervous sensibilities in the vicinity or hearing
thereof.
(b) Examples.The following acts are examples of "noise nuisances" when done in such a
manner as to disturb, annoy or distress others of normal sensibilities:
(1) The playing of any radio, phonograph, jukebox, nickelodeon, or any musical instrument.
(2) Any loud or vociferous language or any soliciting for, or description of, any amusement
house, moving picture theater, or other like place of amusement, or for the performance
therein, in the entrance thereto, in the foyer or lobby thereof, or on the sidewalks
adjoining the same.
(3) The keeping of any animal, fowl or bird which makes frequent or long-continued noise.
(4) The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or other signal device on any
automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle, except as a danger signal.
(5) The running of any motor of any automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, or other motor
vehicle so out of repair, loaded or operated as to create loud, grating, grinding, jarring
or rattling noise vibrations.
(6) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal
combustion engine, automobile, motorcycle, other motor vehicle or boat, except
through a muffler or other device which prevents loud or explosive noises therefrom.
(7) The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work, on any
building or other structure other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on
weekdays, except in cases of extreme and urgent necessity in the interest of public safety
and convenience, and then only by permit obtained from and issued by the city engineer
any of its duly appointed and acting assistants and employees, which permit may be
renewed during the time the emergency exists.
(8) The crying, calling, or shouting, in person or by a mechanical device, or the use of any
whistle, rattle, bell, gong, clapper, hammer, drum, horn, loudspeaker or phonograph
with or without an amplifier, hand organ, or other devices or instruments, musical or
otherwise, for the purpose of advertising any candidates for elective office, any goods,
wares or merchandise, or for the purpose of attracting attention to or inviting persons to
any political rally, meeting or gathering, to any place of amusement, to any performance
or show, or to any business or activity whatsoever.
(9) The raucous shouting, whistling, yelling, singing, hooting or crying of peddlers,
hawkers, vendors, or any other person or persons.
(c) Not limiting.The above list is only a number of examples of "noise nuisances" and is not
intended to limit the definition of that term or the prohibitive application of this chapter in
abating "noise nuisances."
City of Alamo Heights, TX
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/AL6722 on 2025-06-05
Attachment B
(1965 Code, secs. 13-12, 13-13; Ordinance 1682 adopted 10/9/2006)
(d) Unlawful activities.It shall be unlawful for any person to create or cause any noise nuisance
within the corporate limits of the city, to permit, or allow to be created or caused, a noise
nuisance on any premises under his control or supervision within the corporate limits of the
city.
(e) Use of gasoline-powered equipment by lawn service and tree service companies.The use of
gasoline-powered equipment such as, but not limited to, lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters,
blowers and chain saws by lawn service companies and tree service companies, defined as
those companies having more than two (2) employees inclusive of the owner, is prohibited
before 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and city-observed holidays.
City of Alamo Heights, TX
§ 10-8 § 10-8
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/AL6722 on 2025-06-05
Attachment B

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Item # 8 - Noise Ordinance Proposed Amendments

  • 1. 1 CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Rick Pruitt, Police Chief SUBJECT: Staff will discuss a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Article I, Section 10-8 “Noise Ordinance”. DATE: June 9, 2025 SUMMARY Staff will discuss consideration of a future amendments to Chapter 10, Article I, Section 10-8, “Noise Nuisance” in order to provide regulations for the emission of noise, adopt decibel meters as an objective means of measuring sound levels, assign decibel tolerances, and identify a point beyond the noise source where the decibel readings taken. BACKGROUND The Alamo Heights Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of City Ordinances and City Codes addressing citizen concerns for nuisances created by excessive noise or an excessive level of sound coming from other owned properties in near proximity. Chapter 10, Article I, Section 10-8 currently addresses noise nuisances created by a variety of activities or sources carried on in such manner or with such volume, intensity or duration so as to annoy, distress or disturb other persons in proximity to the noise source. The sources of noise are unlimited and usually come from a variety of activities. The qualifier for determining a noise nuisance in Section 10-8 is the person seeking relief from the noise or sound be of “reasonable nervous sensibilities”. While this is important, Officers have no objective means of measuring an acceptable range of noise intrusion to qualify the noise is within “reasonable nervous sensibilities”. Therefore, officers investigating noise complaints currently have no means of determining some noise or sounds are a nuisance and in violation of the city code. This leaves officers the only option to request the sound level be lowered by a representative of the noise source unless the complaining party desire to sign a complaint promising to appear in Municipal Court as a witness. Using the City of San Antonio Code Chapter 21, Article III “Noise” as a model, staff has prepared a reasonable approach to determine violations of the current Section 10-8 in the Alamo Heights City Codes. Staff is proposing Section 10-8 is repealed and replaced with new Sections 10-10 through 10-18 “Noise and Sound Level Regulation” which provides for the use of a sound level meter to measure the intensity of the sound or noise level in decibels (dBA). The proposed new Section 10-13 identifies maximum allowed decibel levels for areas zoned residential property and slightly higher decibel levels in areas zoned commercial property. There is also a provision to specifically address noise levels should the City desire a provision in the Code for special events at any location that has applied for and received a special event permit not otherwise listed as an exception in the proposed Section 10-15.
  • 2. 2 Staff believes this proposal is a comprehensive tool to fairly and equally measure sound and noise levels to the benefit of those persons disturbed by sound or noise intrusion as well as the person responsible for the sound or noise. The proposed Section 10-16 provides for a standardized method of noise measurement so as to provide a proper representation of the noise being measured by avoiding periods where background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured. Measurements are taken at a point at the boundary of adjacent public or private property or on either side of an adjacent public right-of-way at or near the boundary line of the property where the noise originates Not all noise and sounds can be avoided under certain circumstances such as emergency warnings or sirens on emergency vehicles. In other cases sound and noise levels are acceptable when generated by a permitted public event or celebration or sound produced by any government body in performance of a government function. This is covered in Section 10-15 “Exceptions”. That said, all reports or complaints of noise nuisances will be investigated and not assumed. The proposed new Sections and a brief synopsis of each are as follows: Section 10-11. Purpose – protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace and quiet of the citizens of Alamo Heights. Section 10-12. Definitions and standards – applicable to the new method of noise measurement, descriptions and locations. Included is a revised subsection (10) within this Section proposing to limit the time of day lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws powered by gasoline, battery or electricity may be operated. Section 10-13. Noise nuisance enumeration – acts declared to be noise nuisances including those specifically identified and having a maximum decibel level assigned by City Code. • The making of noise which exceeds sixty-three (63) decibels on residential zoned property when measured from property under separate ownership. • The making of noise which exceeds seventy (70) decibels on commercial zoned property when measured from property under separate ownership. • The making of noise which exceeds eighty-five (85) decibels from an event having a Special Event Permit required by the City and not otherwise exempted in Section 10-15. In response to citizen concerns regarding noise made by lawn equipment a proposed revision to the current City Code Section 10-10 (e) is as follows; Prohibited The use of gasoline, battery or electric powered equipment such as, but not limited to, lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws is only allowed: • between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in residential, multi-family, and commercial zoned districts; or • by lawn service and tree service companies defined as those companies having more than two (2) employees inclusive of the owner, before 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and city-observed holidays.
  • 3. 3 10-14. Vehicular mounted sound amplification systems – specific to music entertainment using equipment designed to play, amplify and/or cause vibration played in a manner the sound are not contained within the vehicle. Section 10-15. Exceptions – circumstances and sources of noise and sounds deemed allowable. Section 10-16. Method of measurement – procedures to provide a proper representation of a noise being measured through the use of sound level meter and frequency weighting network such as A, B or C as specified in American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters (ANSI S1.4-1971). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply. Sound level meter shall mean an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averages, output meter, and weighting network used to measure sound pressure levels. Section 10-17. Penalties – unlawful acts and fines. Section 10-18. Identification of violator – determining persons responsible for violations at a private residence, business or any location with an unattended noise source. The police department already has sound level meters in some patrol vehicles. The sound level meters have been used to measure decibel levels when a noise complaint has been received. The current Section 10-8 does not provide for dBA levels as a means of determining noise or sound violations. Therefore, sound level meter readings could not be used as evidence in a case where a citation was issued. FISCAL IMPACT The current inventory of sound level meters is twelve years old. The purchase of replacement sound level meters having the latest technology for accurately determining the dBA of sounds or noise levels is desired. Cost of qualified sound level meters is $250.00 each. Total cost for eight patrol vehicles is $2,000. The sound level meters will be purchase from budgeted funds of the police department. POLICY ANALYSIS The City Council has the authority to pass Ordinances to protect the citizens against unreasonable noise within the corporate limits of Alamo Heights and authorize the City Manager or designee to take all necessary steps to implement the provisions of the Ordinance. COORDINATION • This proposal was discussed with City Council during the FY2022-2023 Strategic Action Planning meeting and previously presented to City Council on February 27, 2023 • The City Manager has reviewed the current draft of the proposed Ordinance. The City Attorney was provided a copy of the draft Ordinance.
  • 4. 4 ATTACHMENTS Attachment A – Proposed Draft Ordinance Attachment B – Section 10-8 of the current Noise Nuisance Codes ______________________ Rick Pruitt Police Chief ______________________ Buddy Kuhn City Manager
  • 5. Attachment A Page 1 of 7 ORDINANCE NO. _______ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 10, MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND OFFENSES, ARTICLE I IN GENERAL BY REPEALING SECTION 10-8 NOISE ORDINANCE AND ADDING SECTIONS 10-11 THROUGH 10-18 NOISE AND SOUND LEVEL REGULATION TO SET FORTH PERMISSIBLE SOUND LEVELS AND ESTABLISH THE ENFORCEMENT THEREOF IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS AGAINST UNREASONABLE NOISE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ANY OTHER CODE PROVISIONS, ORDINANCES, OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES, AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; INCORPORATING RECITALS; AND ADOPTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights has determined that there is a need for strengthening the regulations for the emission of noise and sound levels, to help in protecting the users of property who are in close proximity to others who are creating noise or an excessive level of sound from the harmful effects and inconvenience of such sounds and to help promote a peaceful community within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights, Texas desires to amend Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Miscellaneous Provisions and Offenses, Article I, In General by repealing Section 10-8 and adding Sections 10-11 through 10-18, Noise and Sound Level Regulation in order to preserve, protect, and promote public health and safety. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS THAT: SECTION ONE. AMENDMENT. Municipal Code of Ordinance Chapter 34 Environment is hereby amended by adding Article VII Noise and Sound Level Regulation and shall read as follows: “Chapter 10 Miscellaneous Provisions and Offenses Section 10-8 Noise Ordinance – Repealed Section 10-11 through 10-18 Noise and Sound Level Regulation
  • 6. Attachment A Page 2 of 7 Section 10-11. Purpose. The ordinance from which this article is derived is enacted to protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet of the citizens of the City through the reduction, control, and prevention of loud and raucous noise, or any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity Section 10-12. Definitions and standards. [As used in this division the following words and terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed:] A-weighted sound level shall mean the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA. dB(A) shall mean the intensity of a sound expressed in decibels. Daytime/evening shall mean the hours between eight o'clock a.m. and five o'clock p.m., Sunday through Thursday and five o'clock p.m. and eleven o'clock p.m. Friday and Saturday. Director shall mean Community Development Director. Impulsive sound shall mean sound of short duration, usually less than one second, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay. Examples of sources of impulsive sound include explosions, drop forge impacts, and the discharge of firearms. Nighttime shall mean the hours between ten o'clock p.m. and six o'clock a.m., Sunday through Thursday and eleven o'clock p.m. and six o'clock a.m. Friday and Saturday. Noise nuisance shall mean any loud, irritating, vexing or disturbing sound originating from a nearby property under separate ownership which causes injury, discomfort, or distress of a person of reasonable nervous sensibilities. Public right-of-way means any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, sidewalk, alley, or similar place normally accessible to the public which is owned or controlled by a government entity. Residential area means any real property which contains a structure or building in which one or more persons reside, provided that the structure or building is properly zoned, or is legally nonconforming, for residential use in accordance with the terms and maps of the City's zoning ordinance. Sound level shall mean the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA. Sound level meter shall mean an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averages, output meter, and weighting network used to measure sound pressure levels.
  • 7. Attachment A Page 3 of 7 Section 10-13. Noise nuisance enumeration. (a) The following acts, among others not hereinafter enumerated, are declared to be "noise nuisances," and are unlawful and in violation of the provisions of this division when such acts are done or accomplished or carried on in such a manner, or with such volume, intensity, or with continued duration, so as to annoy, to distress, or to disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of a person of reasonable nervous sensibilities, within the vicinity or hearing thereof, or so as to endanger or injure the safety or health of humans or animals, or so as to interfere with the physical well-being of humans or animals, or so as to endanger or injure personal or real property: (1) The playing or permitting or causing the playing of any radio, phonograph, drum, juke box, nickelodeon, any musical instrument, with or without a sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound. (2) Any loud or vociferous language or any soliciting for, or description of, any amusement house, moving picture theater, or other like place of amusement, or for the performance therein, in the entrance thereto, the foyer or lobby thereof, or on the sidewalks adjoining the same. (3) The keeping of any animal, fowl or bird, which makes frequent or long continued noise. (4) The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or other signal device on any automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle, except as a danger signal. (5) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, automobile, motorcycle, other motor vehicle or boat, except through a muffler or other device which prevents loud or explosive noises therefrom. (6) The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work, or the causing or permitting thereof, on any building or other structure, or the operation or the permitting or causing the operation of any tools or equipment used in construction, excavation, drilling, demolition, alteration or repair work: a. Other than eight o’clock a.m. and five o’clock p.m. on weekdays, except City holidays; or b. Except in cases of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and convenience, and then only by permit obtained from, and issued by the Community Development Director of the city or any of its duly appointed and acting assistants and employees, which permit may be renewed during the time the emergency exists.
  • 8. Attachment A Page 4 of 7 (7) The raucous shouting, whistling, yelling, singing, hooting or crying of peddlers, hawkers, vendors, or any other person or persons. (8) The making of noise which exceeds sixty-three (63) decibels on residential zoned property when measured from property under separate ownership. (9) The making of noise which exceeds seventy (70) decibels on business zoned property when measured from property under separate ownership. (10) The making of noise which exceeds (85) decibels from any event having a Special Event Permit required by the City and not otherwise exempted in Section 10-15. (11) Prohibited The use of gasoline, battery or electric powered equipment such as, but not limited to, lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws is only allowed: • between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in residential, multi-family, and commercial zoned districts; or • by lawn service and tree service companies defined as thopse companies having more than two (2) employees inclusive of the owner, before 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday and between the hours of 10:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m.on Saturday, Sunday and city-observed holidays. (b) Not limiting. The above list is only a number of examples of "noise nuisances" and is not intended to limit the definition of that term or the prohibitive application of this chapter in abating "noise nuisances." Section 10-14. Vehicular mounted sound amplification systems. It shall be unlawful for any person operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a public or private place within the city to operate any sound amplifier which is part of, or connected to, any radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette player, or other similar device in the motor vehicle, in such a manner that, when operated, is audible at a distance of thirty (30) or more feet from the source or, when operated causes a person to be aware of the vibration accompanying the sound in any location outside the confines of the vehicle emitting the sound, noise, or vibration. A culpable mental state is not necessary to constitute a violation of this section. Section 10-15. Exceptions. The provisions of this division shall not apply to: (1) The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to an emergency; or
  • 9. Attachment A Page 5 of 7 (2) Sound produced by emergency vehicles; or (3) Sound produced by a vehicle motor while the vehicle is moving on a public right- of-way, public waterway, airport runway, or railway; or (4) Sound produced by any governmental body in the performance of a governmental function; or (5) City sponsored or co-sponsored or approved parades and public events; or (6) Sound generated at a scheduled stadium event; by parade spectators and participants on the parade route during a permitted parade; by outdoor celebration participants sponsored or co-sponsored by the city for the general welfare of the public; by patrons and participants using cannons and gunfire during historical battle reenactments for which a pyrotechnic permit has been obtained and the explosives have been inspected and approved by the fire marshal; includes pyrotechnic displays that are inspected and approved by the city fire marshal; or (7) Sound produced by the operation of any air-conditioning unit, heat pump, or swimming pool machinery which does not produce a sound exceeding sixty-three (63) dBA on residential property or seventy (70) dBA on non-residential property, when measured at a distance of either fifteen (15) feet from the equipment producing the sound, or to the nearest exterior wall of a residential or commercial building under separate ownership, whichever distance is shorter; or (8) Sound produced solely for the purpose of encouraging citizen participation in elections. Section 10-16. Method of noise measurement. Whenever portions of this chapter prohibit noise over a certain decibel limit, measurement of said noise shall be made with a decibel meter meeting the standards prescribed by the American National Standards Institute. The instruments shall be maintained in calibration and good working order. Calibration corrections shall be employed in meeting the response specifications prior to every sampling of noise. Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to provide a proper representation of the noise being measured. The microphone shall be positioned so as not to create any unnatural enhancement or diminution of the measured noise. A windscreen for the microphone shall be used. Traffic, aircraft and other transportation noise sources and other background noises shall not be considered in taking measurements except where such background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured. Measurements may be taken at a point on adjacent public or private property or on either side of an adjacent public right-of-way at or near the boundary line of the property where the noise is generated. Section 10-17. Penalties.
  • 10. Attachment A Page 6 of 7 (a) It shall be unlawful for a person to do or perform any act prohibited by this article, and it shall be unlawful for a person to fail to do or perform any act required by this article. A violation of this article is a class C misdemeanor offense, no culpable mental state or criminal intent is required, and upon conviction, a person shall be fined an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (b) Unless otherwise specifically provided for in this article, if it is found that a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly violated any provision of this article, then upon conviction a person shall be fined an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) except that, in the event a person has once previously been convicted under this article, the person shall be fined an amount not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) and shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for a third conviction and for each conviction thereafter. (c) Nothing in this section shall limit the remedies available to the city in seeking to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Each day's violation thereof shall constitute a separate offense. Section 10-18. Identification of violator. The persons responsible for violations of this division are identified as follows: (1) At private residences. Any adult resident present at the time of the offense, and any adult guest or adult trespasser with the ability to control the level of noise at the time of the offense when no adult resident is present at the time of the offense. (2) At business locations. Any business owner, operator, manager, employee in charge, and all persons in control or in possession of the noise nuisance generating instrument or property at the time of the offense. (3) At any location with an unattended noise nuisance producing machine, device, instrument, child, animal or combination of same. Any person who leaves unattended any machine, instrument, device, child, animal, or any combination of same, which thereafter commences producing noise in violation of this article. The ordinance from which this article is derived is enacted to protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet of the citizens of the City through the reduction, control, and prevention of loud and raucous noise, or any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity. Secs. 10-19. – 10-30. – Reserved.
  • 11. Attachment A Page 7 of 7 SECTION TWO. AUTHORIZATION. The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights authorizes the City Manager or designee to take all necessary steps to implement the provisions of this Ordinance. SECTION THREE. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or illegal, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared void. SECTION FOUR. REPEALER. All other Code provisions, ordinances or parts of ordinances, and other provisions in conflict herewith are repealed to the extent of said conflict. SECTION FIVE. FINDINGS. The City Council finds all of the above recitals to be true and correct and incorporates the same in this Ordinance as findings of fact. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication as may be required by governing law. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 2025. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS: ALBERT HONIGBLUM, MAYOR ATTEST: ELSA T. ROBLES, CITY SECRETARY APPROVED AS TO FORM: ____________________________________ FRANK J. GARZA, CITY ATTORNEY
  • 12. § 10-8. Noise nuisances. (a) Defined.A "noise nuisance" is any loud, irritating, vexing or disturbing noise which causes distress, annoyance, discomfort, or injury to, or which interferes with the comfort and repose of, any person or persons of normal nervous sensibilities in the vicinity or hearing thereof. (b) Examples.The following acts are examples of "noise nuisances" when done in such a manner as to disturb, annoy or distress others of normal sensibilities: (1) The playing of any radio, phonograph, jukebox, nickelodeon, or any musical instrument. (2) Any loud or vociferous language or any soliciting for, or description of, any amusement house, moving picture theater, or other like place of amusement, or for the performance therein, in the entrance thereto, in the foyer or lobby thereof, or on the sidewalks adjoining the same. (3) The keeping of any animal, fowl or bird which makes frequent or long-continued noise. (4) The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or other signal device on any automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle, except as a danger signal. (5) The running of any motor of any automobile or vehicle, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle so out of repair, loaded or operated as to create loud, grating, grinding, jarring or rattling noise vibrations. (6) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, automobile, motorcycle, other motor vehicle or boat, except through a muffler or other device which prevents loud or explosive noises therefrom. (7) The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work, on any building or other structure other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except in cases of extreme and urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and convenience, and then only by permit obtained from and issued by the city engineer any of its duly appointed and acting assistants and employees, which permit may be renewed during the time the emergency exists. (8) The crying, calling, or shouting, in person or by a mechanical device, or the use of any whistle, rattle, bell, gong, clapper, hammer, drum, horn, loudspeaker or phonograph with or without an amplifier, hand organ, or other devices or instruments, musical or otherwise, for the purpose of advertising any candidates for elective office, any goods, wares or merchandise, or for the purpose of attracting attention to or inviting persons to any political rally, meeting or gathering, to any place of amusement, to any performance or show, or to any business or activity whatsoever. (9) The raucous shouting, whistling, yelling, singing, hooting or crying of peddlers, hawkers, vendors, or any other person or persons. (c) Not limiting.The above list is only a number of examples of "noise nuisances" and is not intended to limit the definition of that term or the prohibitive application of this chapter in abating "noise nuisances." City of Alamo Heights, TX Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/AL6722 on 2025-06-05 Attachment B
  • 13. (1965 Code, secs. 13-12, 13-13; Ordinance 1682 adopted 10/9/2006) (d) Unlawful activities.It shall be unlawful for any person to create or cause any noise nuisance within the corporate limits of the city, to permit, or allow to be created or caused, a noise nuisance on any premises under his control or supervision within the corporate limits of the city. (e) Use of gasoline-powered equipment by lawn service and tree service companies.The use of gasoline-powered equipment such as, but not limited to, lawn mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers and chain saws by lawn service companies and tree service companies, defined as those companies having more than two (2) employees inclusive of the owner, is prohibited before 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and city-observed holidays. City of Alamo Heights, TX § 10-8 § 10-8 Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/AL6722 on 2025-06-05 Attachment B