The City of Seagoville is reminding residents to be mindful of excessive noise and to help keep neighborhoods peaceful, especially during overnight hours.
According to the city’s noise ordinance, it is prohibited to “create, make, cause, or allow to be made” any loud and disturbing noise that may disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivity near any public or private place after 11 p.m. and before 6 a.m.
The ordinance applies broadly to unreasonably loud or raucous noise within the city, including noise that may disturb the peace, quiet, comfort, or repose of residents within the area where the sound can be heard.
Examples listed in the ordinance include loud horns, radios, musical instruments, loud-speaking devices, shouting, vehicle sound systems, frequent or continuing animal noise, and other sounds that are excessive in character, intensity, or duration. The ordinance also prohibits the use of engine-exhaust braking systems within city limits when they create unreasonable noise.
The city’s ordinance includes several exceptions, including certain sounds related to emergency alerts, emergency work, farm equipment, permitted parades or fairs, lawful athletic events, reasonable noise from children playing in parks and public places, reasonable use of vehicle horns under state law, and the reasonable ringing of church bells.
Construction activity is also addressed in the ordinance. Construction noise is allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays, unless the city manager issues a permit for work outside those hours due to urgent necessity or public safety concerns.
Violations of the ordinance are considered a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, an offense may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 for each offense, and each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate punishable offense.
Residents are encouraged to review the full ordinance on the City of Seagoville website for complete details and exceptions. The city is asking residents to be considerate of neighbors and help maintain a peaceful community for all.
