Noise Nuisance Abatement: How Texas HOAs and Residents Can Tackle Noise Issues in Their Neighborhood Together
Whether it’s a loud backyard party that stretches into the early morning or a barking dog that won’t quiet down, noise disputes remain one of the most common — and frustrating — issues in neighborhood living. For residents in Atascosa County, Bexar County, Comal County, Hays County, Medina County, Travis County, and Williamson County, understanding your options for addressing these disturbances can help protect peace of mind — and community harmony.
Noise Violations and HOAs: What They Can (and Can’t) Do
In many residential communities, especially those governed by a homeowners association (HOA), the rules around noise are built into the association’s governing documents. These rules are often framed as general nuisance prohibitions rather than specific decibel limits, making enforcement dependent on the context and impact of the noise.
According to Chase Hague, an HOA attorney with Barsalou & Associates, PLLC, “The HOA often has the authority to enforce noise violations, but it isn't a 24/7 noise patrol. Local law enforcement is often their first and best resource.”
HOAs can take action — including written warnings, fines, or even legal enforcement — when excessive noise materially impacts a neighborhood’s quality of life. However, HOAs are not always equipped to respond immediately or overnight. That’s where coordination with local law enforcement becomes essential.
Texas Property Code: Where the Law Comes In
The Texas Property Code doesn’t set statewide noise standards. Instead, it empowers HOAs (under Chapter 209 for property owners' associations and Chapter 202 for restrictive covenants) to enforce rules that protect the “peaceful enjoyment” of the property. These laws give associations the legal basis to act on recurring disturbances if noise violates community rules or constitutes a “nuisance.”
However, proving a nuisance requires demonstrating that the noise is unreasonable, ongoing, and negatively affects others. HOA enforcement also depends on documentation — think complaints, witness statements, and in some cases, decibel readings or video/audio evidence.
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What About Local Enforcement? A County-by-County Look
Here’s what homeowners across the San Antonio and Austin metro areas should know about noise enforcement in their respective counties:
Bexar County
City of San Antonio Residents benefit from one of the most clearly defined noise ordinances in the region. According to Chapter 21 of the City Code, noise exceeding 65 decibels in residential areas between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and 60 decibels overnight, may be considered a violation.
Outside city limits, enforcement falls to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office or the local Constable’s Office, often using the Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct) — which includes making unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence.
The non-emergency number for noise complaints in Bexar County is 210-335-6000.
Travis County
Travis County does not have a county-wide noise ordinance, making it trickier to address disturbances unless you're within a municipality like Austin, which does have local ordinances.
As in Bexar County, Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 is often used to address noise disturbances, especially if the noise is considered disruptive or aggressive.
Residents can contact their local Constable or Sheriff's non-emergency line to report real-time issues to the Travis County Sheriff's Office at 512-854-1444.
Williamson County
Similar to Travis County, Williamson County lacks a county-level ordinance, but cities like Round Rock and Georgetown enforce municipal noise standards.
County deputies may cite disturbances under Disorderly Conduct laws, especially if the noise affects multiple households or is part of a broader disturbance.
Non-emergency complaints can be made by calling the Williamson County Sheriff's Office at 512-943-1300.
Comal County
Comal County does not maintain a specific county-wide noise ordinance. In unincorporated areas or outside of cities like New Braunfels or Bulverde (which do enforce local ordinances), noise complaints may be addressed by the Comal County Sheriff’s Office under Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01.
The Comal County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number is 830-620-3400.
Hays County
While Hays County lacks a blanket noise ordinance for unincorporated areas, cities like San Marcos, Buda, and Kyle do enforce municipal noise codes. In rural areas, enforcement is handled by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office under Disorderly Conduct laws. Their non-emergency number is 512-393-7896.
Medina County
Medina County does not have a county-level noise ordinance. Residents in cities like Hondo or Castroville may be protected under local ordinances, but otherwise, noise disturbances must be reported to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, relying on state law. Their non-emergency number is 830-741-6153.
Atascosa County
Atascosa County also does not maintain a county-wide ordinance for noise. Law enforcement typically addresses serious or recurring noise disturbances under Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.01 through the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office. Their non-emergency number is 830-769-3434.
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Good Neighbors Talk First: The Human Side of Resolution
Legal avenues and HOA enforcement should never be the first step if they can be avoided. Often, the best solution is the simplest: a respectful conversation with your neighbor. Many noise issues are unintentional, and a friendly heads-up may be all that’s needed.
Chase Hague reminds residents that "communication with your neighbor is often the fastest remedy. Residents should attempt a polite 'good neighbor' conversation before escalating a matter, if possible. In many cases, a neighbor may be unaware that they are causing a disturbance."
But if the noise persists, residents should document the disturbances, notify their HOA in writing, and consider filing a report with their local law enforcement agency. It’s important to keep in mind that resolving noise nuisance issues often requires time, persistence, and patience. In some cases, if informal efforts and standard HOA procedures are not effective, the HOA’s legal counsel may need to become involved to help pursue a resolution.
Working Together for a Quieter Community
Navigating noise complaints requires a collaborative approach. HOA boards and residents can work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to ensure everyone enjoys their right to a peaceful home.
To learn more about Chase Hague and the HOA legal services provided by Barsalou & Associates, HOA Board members can visit barsalou.com, or reach out to Chase directly at chasehague@barsalou.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.