The Denton City Council on Oct. 14 adopted an ordinance granting JPI Construction LLC a noise exception under the City of Denton Code of Ordinances to permit early-morning concrete pours, pumps and generators related to a new multifamily development. The ordinance passed 5–2.

The ordinance cites section 17-20(c)(3)(f) of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances and would permit up to approximately 12 concrete pumps, generators and lights for specified pours during the approved hours; staff said item h had been pulled for separate consideration and the council debated the request at length.

Neighbors told council the project would operate as early as 2 a.m. on pour days; opponents said multiple nearby construction projects already created noise and that early start times could harm families, including a household expecting a newborn. Several residents told the council they preferred the project simply take longer but avoid early-morning activity.

Councilmembers split on priorities. Supporters argued night or early-morning pours reduce traffic conflicts and speed project completion, and that cooler overnight temperatures can be better for concrete pours. Opponents cited sleep disruption, proximity to a church and children, and safety concerns about large stabilization stones or equipment entering roadways in the dark.

Several councilmembers said they checked neighborhood sentiment: the mayor pro tem reported contacting six nearby residents; five opposed the exception and one supported it. The council discussed potential compromises including seasonal hour changes and limiting early hours through December, but ultimately granted the exception with the ordinance as written. The motion to approve was made by the mayor; Representative from District 5 seconded. Vote recorded in the meeting transcript: 5 yes, 2 no.

Council instructed staff to monitor safety and noise impacts and noted the contractor’s working hours will be constrained by the ordinance’s conditions and any subsequent permitting. The council did not attach additional conditions beyond the ordinance as adopted.