Amended Houston noise ordinance goes into effect: 'Our neighborhoods are becoming increasingly mixed-use'

The City of Houston’s amended noise ordinance went into effect on Tuesday, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported.

The ordinance, to which the Houston City Council approved changes earlier this year, pertains to bars and restaurants that operate near residences. 

“As Houston grows in population, our neighborhoods are becoming increasingly mixed-use," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, KHOU reported. "But mixed uses can also create tension between residents and their commercial neighbors."

Citing Houston FOX affiliate KRIV, Houston Daily reported in May that businesses within 300 feet of a home that continue to play music past 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays could face a newly instituted $2,000 fine under the ordinance.

The city’s revisions also prohibit businesses from playing outdoor amplified sound between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m., the report said.

Another change requires establishments to apply for a new permit.

The ordinance comes as a godsend for most residents who live near nightspots.

One resident in Houston’s Montrose area told KHOU that lawlessness occurs every weekend.

"I'm absolutely fed up,” the unidentified resident said, per the station. “My husband and I have been fighting this since 2018 ... and the problem continues to grow."

Houston City Councilwoman Sallie Alcorn, who has fielded numerous noise complaints from constituents, insisted that the ordinance isn’t anti-business, the report said.

“We don’t want to put anyone out of business,” Alcorn told KHOU. “We want everyone to keep having fun.”