Noise ordinance produces four citations in first month of enforcement: 'I appreciate the effort, but the noise continues every night'

Recent Houston Police Department (HPD) data indicated that a few tickets were issued for violations of the City of Houston’s noise ordinance that went into effect last month, Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported.

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

Per KTRK, since Sept. 6, four tickets were written despite the 330 calls fielded by police.

Houston’s busy Washington Corridor is one area of the city the ordinance is focused on.

One resident told KTRK that not much has changed since it went on the books post-Labor Day.

"I wish I could say it's good," Steven Devadanam said in the report. "I appreciate the effort, but the noise continues every night."

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.

KTRK reported that HPD formed a “loud noise unit” that only responds to noise complaints during weekends.

Houston City Councilwoman Sallie Alcorn told the station via a statement it’s too early to determine the success of the ordinance, vowing to check in with HPD on what she called a “disparity between the number of complaints and citations.”

"The goal here is to bring problem bars into compliance so nearby residents can get some peace,” Alcorn said, KTRK reported.