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Council adopts noise ordinance extending nuisance rules 5,000 feet into ETJ after public comments
Summary
After public comment from nearby residents and the operator of DFW Adventure Park, the council adopted an ordinance extending nuisance-noise regulations (decibel limits measured at adjacent property lines with exemptions for special events and New Year—s Eve) 5,000 feet into the extraterritorial jurisdiction; the vote was 6-1.
The Northlake Town Council voted 6-1 on June 12 to adopt an ordinance extending the town's nuisance-noise regulations up to 5,000 feet beyond the town limits, as allowed by the Texas Local Government Code. Staff described the measure as complaint-driven, measured at the adjacent property line with a handheld sound meter, and including exemptions for special events and New Year's Eve.
During public input several neighbors and a nearby operator raised concerns. Joel McGregor said activities at a nearby RV-park-adjacent enterprise (DFW Adventure Park) include paintball games and occasional shooting-like activities that can be audible in residential areas; he urged the council to consider exemptions or practical enforcement to avoid unintended closures of longstanding operations. Larry Lipskin, who identified himself as owner of DFW Adventure Park, asked the town to focus on complaints and noted the park has operated for 23 years with few complaints, and he asked that state preemptions for firearms or air-pistols be respected.
Staff and council members clarified measurement and enforcement: limits will be measured at the adjacent property line with a sound meter and enforcement will be complaint-based rather than proactive patrols; agricultural equipment and certain uses preempted by state law remain exempt. The mayor and several councilmembers said the ordinance balances neighborhood quality of life with reasonable exemptions and practical enforcement.
Penalties will use the town's existing nuisance penalties in the code of ordinances. Councilmembers requested staff return with clarifications and potential exemptions if specific businesses can demonstrate a need; staff said they can revisit exemptions in future amendments. The ordinance takes effect following the town's posting and publication procedures.
