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Lake Jackson council approves first reading of ordinance limiting amplified sound after 10 p.m.; decibel limits proposed
Summary
Council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit amplified sound from emanating beyond property lines after 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday and set decibel limits at other times; staff and business owners debated enforcement methods, permit options and impact on downtown venues.
The Lake Jackson City Council gave the ordinance its first reading to amend Chapter 62 (Miscellaneous Offenses) to restrict amplified sound beyond property lines beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, while setting decibel limits at other times.
City staff explained the draft is aligned with state guidance and that the ordinance language intends to prohibit sound "from emanating beyond their property line," not to ban amplified sound outright. As the city attorney (staff member) explained, "it doesn't mean they can't have amplified sound, but they're gonna have to shut the doors and the windows." Staff and the police described enforcement as a mix of decibel measurements taken at property lines and complaint-driven responses.
Restaurant owner Richard Wood, who said he has provided live music downtown for more than 15 years, urged the council not to single out responsible businesses and suggested decibel-based measurements and graduated enforcement as alternatives. A sound engineer who spoke emphasized that measured decibels and how sound carries are separate issues and cautioned the council to consider location and acoustic effects when writing standards.
Council members debated whether to tie the ordinance primarily to decibel thresholds or to keep time cutoffs as an enforcement tool; supporters said the time limits give police a clear threshold to act on without requiring repeated neighbor complaints. After an extended discussion, Councilwoman Seth moved to accept the ordinance on first reading as drafted; the motion was seconded and carried. The ordinance will return for a second reading at a future meeting, where council can consider edits and technical clarifications.
Council members said they expect to refine measurement language and enforcement procedures between first and second reading to address practical policing and business concerns.
