Sound and Noise-related Equipment (Annual Permit)

ARACPE1063
Plan Review
Not Required
Inspection
Not Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
$1,286.60
Admin fee
$32.16
Renewal fee
$1,286.60
Valid Period
1 year
Processing Time
1 business day
APPLY QUESTIONS
Administration & Regulatory Affairs

Physical Address:

1002 Washington Ave., 1st floor
Houston, TX 77002

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251

8 am to 4 pm

About

Permit allows the use of sound amplification equipment, not to exceed 65 dB(A) residentially or 68 dB(A) non-residentially, at a designated location for one calendar year between 8 am and 10 pm from Sunday through Thursday, and 8 am and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

After Approval

On the day or days authorized, permittee must publicly display the permit during the term at the designated location.

Conditions & Exceptions

Permit locations involving City parks require prior approval and reservation from the Parks & Recreation Department.

Only the annual permit requires renewal.

Statutory Authority
What You Need
  • Annual permit application
  • Copy of the applicant's driver's license
  • Written authorization from the Parks & Recreation Department or from the Mayor's Office of Special Events, respectively, if the location is scheduled for a public park or if the function is considered as a special event.
  • Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
Apply Online

Yes, provided it does not occur at a public park or is not considered a special event.

Apply in Person
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
     
Apply by Mail

Provided the request does not involve a public park or is not a special event, mail the completed application and permit fee to:

Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department
Commercial Permitting & Enforcement Section
PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251-1561

Make checks and money orders payable to City of Houston.

 

Additional Resources
What You Need

A renewal notice will be mailed for each applicable annual permit at least 30 days prior to the account expiration date. If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request an application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.

  • Annual permit application
  • Copy of the applicant's driver's license
  • Written authorization from the Parks & Recreation Department or from the Mayor's Office of Special Events, respectively, if the location is scheduled for a public park or if the function is considered as a special event.
  • Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
Renew Online

[steps??]

Renew in Person
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
Renew by Mail

Provided the request does not involve a public park or is not a special event, mail the completed application and permit fee to:

Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department
Commercial Permitting & Enforcement Section
PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251-1561

Make checks and money orders payable to City of Houston.

What You Need

A renewal notice will be mailed for each applicable annual permit at least 30 days prior to the account expiration date. If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request an application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.

  • Annual permit application
  • Copy of the applicant's driver's license
  • Written authorization from the Parks & Recreation Department or from the Mayor's Office of Special Events, respectively, if the location is scheduled for a public park or if the function is considered as a special event.
  • Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
Renew Online

[steps??]

Renew in Person
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
Renew by Mail

Provided the request does not involve a public park or is not a special event, mail the completed application and permit fee to:

Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department
Commercial Permitting & Enforcement Section
PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251-1561

Make checks and money orders payable to City of Houston.