The City of Round Rock’s new noise ordinance for bars, restaurants, and live music venues goes into effect on Monday, lowering the maximum decibel level allowed for each business around downtown.
While some of the changes are minor, the biggest involves police officers’ ability to now measure the decibels beginning at the property line. Prior to the revised ordinance taking effect, the noise had been measured at 200-feet away from the property line.
The Round Rock City Council approved the change in March, capping live music venues and bars at 80-decibels between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m.-Midnight on Friday and Saturday. During all other times, 60-decibels will be the new cap.
Fines for noise violations will be $500 each. However, after three violations a venue’s live music permit can be revoked for up to a year. City leaders believe the possibility of losing revenue generated by live music will be enough motivation for businesses to keep their decibels within acceptable ranges.
