Council approved the updated noise ordinance during its Feb. 15 meeting. The last time the ordinance was updated was more than a decade ago, Mayor Christine DeLisle said in a message to Community Impact.
Sorting out details
One of the changes to the ordinance included modifications to the maximum sound levels. Maximum residential sound levels during the day are 65 dBA—or the sound pressure level in decibels—or 10 dBA above background noise, according to city documents. At night, maximum residential sound levels are 55 dBA or 5 dBA above background noise.
For mixed use or commercial businesses, daytime maximum sound levels are 70 dBA or 10 dBA above background noise, and at night, maximum sound levels are 60 dBA or 5 dBA above background noise.
Officials also added definitions to the ordinance for better clarity and updated provisions for construction, demolition and maintenance work.
Any construction, demolition or maintenance work will not be allowed between 9 p.m.-7 a.m., according to city documents. However, some construction activity, such as concrete pours, may be allowed during these hours with waivers from council.
The updated ordinance also included multiple other noise level exceptions that may be granted by council:
- Special events
- Emergency preparation
- Power outages
“The last time we updated the noise ordinance, we were a much smaller city, more spread out, and without very much business or industry. Leander has evolved since then, and we will continue to grow,” DeLisle said. “It's imperative that we modernize our outdated noise ordinance to reflect the evolving needs and dynamics of our community, ensuring a more harmonious and peaceful environment for all residents.”
Going forward
DeLisle said in the future, the city will continue to make amendments to the noise ordinance as needed.
