Thursday, Jul. 11, 2024
Can you use a motorized lawn mower before 7 a.m. in El Paso?
The city of El Paso’s noise ordinance prohibits sounds that exceed 70 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., including noise created by lawn mowers. Those who violate the ordinance may be fined up to $500.
Other noises that may violate the ordinance include loud animals, construction work, alarms, loud-speakers, mechanical devices and off-road vehicles.
Under Section 51.001 of the state’s local government code, Texas cities have authority to establish noise ordinances. The code does not give counties the same authority.
But, under Texas penal code, residents are allowed to file a complaint for unreasonable noise that exceeds a decibel level of 85 at a point where it is heard by others. The code states, “A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes unreasonable noise in a public place… or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy.”
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Municode Library Municode Library
- State of Texas LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 51. GENERAL POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES
- State of Texas PENAL CODE CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES
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