How loud is too loud in Seagoville?
The answer is not limited to a particular decibel level. Seagoville’s noise ordinance focuses largely on whether noise is unreasonably loud or disruptive to what the city describes as a reasonable person of normal sensitivity.
The rules apply to more than late-night parties. Loud music, vehicle stereos, speakers, horns and even certain types of engine braking can fall under the city ordinance.
The Rule Applies During the Day, Too
One common misconception is that Seagoville residents can make as much noise as they want before the nighttime quiet hours begin.
That is not what the ordinance says.
The city generally prohibits making, causing or allowing unreasonably loud or raucous noise that would be offensive to a reasonable person of normal sensitivity within the area where it can be heard.
That means the circumstances matter even during daytime hours.
A radio, musical instrument, speaker, horn or other noise-making device can violate the ordinance when its volume disturbs the peace and comfort of people nearby.
The ordinance applies to noise coming from both public and private property and also applies to businesses.
Seagoville Has Overnight Quiet Hours
The ordinance becomes more specific during nighttime and early-morning hours.
Loud and disturbing noise that may disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivity is prohibited after 11:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.
The rule applies in the vicinity of both public and private places.
That does not mean every sound after 11 p.m. is automatically illegal. The ordinance focuses on loud and disturbing noise and includes several exceptions for particular activities.
Your Car Stereo Can Be Too Loud at 30 Feet
Seagoville has a particularly clear standard for vehicle sound systems.
A person operating or controlling a motor vehicle can violate the noise ordinance when music or another amplified sound from the vehicle can be heard at a distance of 30 feet.
A violation can also occur when vibrations accompanying the sound can be detected by a reasonable person of normal sensitivity from 30 feet away.
The rule applies whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
In practical terms, a driver does not have to be cruising down a public street for the ordinance to apply. A loud stereo from a parked vehicle can also fall under the provision.
Businesses Are Covered by the Noise Ordinance
Businesses are not exempt from Seagoville’s general noise restrictions.
The ordinance addresses horns, radios, musical instruments, loudspeakers and other noise-making equipment operated on property controlled by a person or business.
When the sound disturbs the peace or is unreasonably offensive to people on nearby property, it may constitute a violation.
That can potentially apply to amplified music, outdoor speakers, promotional sound systems or similar equipment depending on how the sound affects surrounding properties.
Engine Braking Can Violate the Ordinance
Seagoville also specifically prohibits certain engine-exhaust braking systems within the city limits when they create unreasonable noise.
Engine braking is commonly associated with large diesel trucks. Instead of relying only on conventional brakes, the system uses the engine to help slow the vehicle and can create a distinctive, very loud sound.
The ordinance also addresses excessive engine-retarder noise associated with improperly maintained, defective or modified muffler systems and straight exhaust pipes without mufflers.
Not Every Loud Sound Is Prohibited
Seagoville’s ordinance contains several exceptions.
Examples include emergency warning sounds and emergency work, farm equipment, permitted parades and fairs, lawful athletic events, reasonable noise from children playing in parks and other public places, lawful use of vehicle horns and the reasonable ringing of church bells.
Lawfully operating aircraft, trains and properly equipped vehicles traveling on public roadways also fall under an exception.
The city additionally provides an exception for certain equipment used exclusively to maintain or repair buildings or grounds when the equipment is rated at no more than 15 horsepower.
Construction activity is subject to its own specific hours and exceptions under the ordinance and will be covered separately in the Shop in Seagoville “Know Your Ordinances” series.
Violations Can Carry a $500 Fine
Violating Seagoville’s noise ordinance is a misdemeanor.
Upon conviction, an offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
The ordinance also provides that each day a violation continues may be considered a separate punishable offense.
For residents, the important point is that the city’s noise rules are not simply an 11 p.m. curfew on loud music. Excessive noise can potentially violate the ordinance at other times when its character, intensity and duration disturb the comfort of people nearby.
