NOISE ORDINANCE, FILMING GUIDELINES TO BE DISCUSSED BY BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL
Changes to the City of Brenham’s rules on noise and the adoption of guidelines for filming in the city will be considered on Thursday by the Brenham City Council.
City staff will lead a presentation in work session regarding a draft noise nuisance ordinance, which was prepared after previous council work sessions.
Features of the proposed noise nuisance ordinance that will be discussed include moving from a “plainly audible” standard to a decibel-based system, with maximum decibels based on the zoning area and time of day; types of noises that will always be allowed or prohibited, no matter the decibel level; the usage of the more permissive noise standard when a property line splits zones; live music venues; noise permits; enforcement by police; and the punishment for violators.
After the presentation, councilmembers will vote on amending the city’s existing code of ordinances to implement the new noise rules.
The council will also look to pass a resolution adopting administratively enforceable filming guidelines. The resolution, being brought forth after council discussion on the matter earlier this month, is one of the requirements to become certified as a Film Friendly Texas Community.
In other business, the council will take up a resolution authorizing an agreement with TxDOT to temporarily close state right-of-way for the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes summer concert series, being held on July 8, 15, 22 and 29.
The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.
To Bob: I’m not certain to what law you are referring to in regards to vehicle noise. The Texas Transportation code is very vague in its definition of excessive noise and reads as follows: (a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise. To my searching, there is no such ordinance or anything like that in the city or the county, and law enforcement is totally unwilling to take on the noise issue by inspecting an exhaust system to see if the federal laws are being broken by having catalytic converters and other emissions equipment removed. Likewise, Texas is about ready to rescind its vehicle inspection policy which will mean that vehicles will no longer need to be inspected as of 2025. That, coupled with the idea that “Texans always do the right thing”, has led us to where we are today, and will only, no doubt, lead us further from peace and quiet in the coming years.
A noise/nuisance ordinance only works if it is enforced. There is a lot of traffic on my street with vehicles driving by with people blasting their bass so loud that it rattles the windows in my house, which is entirely ridiculous!! Add to that the loud revving engines racing up and down the street, which should be a noise nuisance as well!! People act like my street is a NASCAR race track!! Enough people, show a little courtesy!!
So very true Susan. It’s an absolute nightmare on my street as well. Cars and trucks with extremely loud exhaust systems and booming radios blasting out of their vehicles waking up my entire family at all hours of the night. I came from Dallas/Ft. Worth and the noise pollution from vehicles in this town far exceeds what I lived with in the big city. Absolutely ridiculous that the city of Brenham allows this!
I’m in full agreement with you. My road also has people that have no consideration for others. It’s very sad.
The law enforcement can’t or won’t stop them. There is a law against it if it’s over a certain decibel limit. I bet when it’s next door to them they get it stopped.