General
Title 9, Chapter 9-2 of Austin’s Code of Ordinances regulates noise and amplified sound including the Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) permit criteria, requirements, and enforcement. An Outdoor Music Venue is defined as a commercial property where sound equipment is used to amplify sound that is not fully enclosed by permanent, solid walls and a roof. The Development Services Department’s Entertainment Services Group-Sound Enforcement Program has the primary responsibility for enforcement of OMV permits. They do not conduct enforcement of OMV permits or noise complaints within the following areas:
- Historic 6th Street District
- Red River District
- Warehouse District
- Residential Areas
- Food Trucks
- Vehicles
For complaints for any of the above locations, please use the Austin 3-1-1 app or call 3-1-1 to submit a service request for category Sound and Noise Complaint, Non-Emergency Noise Complaint.
All Outdoor Music Venues (OMV) must be permitted and maintain an active OMV permit with the City of Austin which is renewed annually. Permits are issued through the Development Services Department's Entertainment Services Group.
If you believe an establishment is operating without a required permit or operating our of compliance with their permit, please use the Austin 3-1-1 app or call 3-1-1 to submit a service request for category Sound and Noise Complaint, Outdoor Commercial Music Venue Complaint.
Enforcement Activities
The Sound Enforcement activities:
- Respond to complaints to determine if a violation has occurred, provide education, seek voluntary compliance, and take enforcement action as needed, if compliance is not achieved;
- Conduct routine inspections of commercial OMV;
- Issue warnings to gain compliance; or
- Issue citations to the business owner or manager on-site; and / or
- File an affidavit on the business owner of record in municipal court; and may in addition file an affidavit on the property owner of record.
Violations
Penalties and enforcement actions that may be taken under Title 9, Chapter 9-2, may include Suspension and Revocation of OMV Permit and may be chargeable as a Class C misdemeanor by a fine not to exceed $500 upon conviction. A warning is not required for any violation. Violations resulting in Enforcement action include:
- No OMV Permit or an expired OMV Permit
- Sound exceeding permitted limits when measured with an approved sound meter
- Amplified sound played past cut-off times
- Any unapproved modifications to a Venues Sound Impact Plan (SIP)
For repeat and chronic violations of OMV permits administrative actions may be taken, including Suspension of OMV Permit, Revocation of OMV Permit, and/or Denial of OMV Permit Renewal.
For additional information about penalties and enforcement action see Code of Ordinance, Title 9, Chapter 9-2, or contact the City of Austin Sound Enforcement Program at Entertainment Service Group or 512-974-2278.