Editor’s Note: A full video from the May 15 council meeting is available now at BanderaBulletin.com In a 4-1 vote, the Bandera City Council approved Ordinance 441 on May 15, amending Article 8.04 of the city's Code of Ordinances to establish new noise regulations.
The ordinance sets a maximum sound level of 65 decibels in both residential and non-residential areas.
During quiet hours, between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., sound levels must remain below 55 decibels.
Specific regulations for music venues include: Friday: 75 decibels from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., 65 decibels from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Saturday: 75 decibels from noon to 11:30 p.m., 65 decibels from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Sunday: 75 decibels from noon to 5 p.m.
The ordinance also outlines exceptions for emergency vehicles, parades, historical reenactments, school activities, church bells, yard work, and construction, which can operate
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. regardless of decibel levels.
Councilman Tony Battle, who chaired the Noise Committee, said research was thorough and public engagement informed the ordinance.
Battle countered claims that the ordinance would harm live music and tourism, arguing that the previous ordinance, which was stricter and rarely enforced, had a greater potential to harm businesses.
“We need a balance,” Battle said. “This is fair to everyone and mimics what other cities have successfully implemented.”
Mayor Rebecca Gibson expressed concern that live music was categorized as a nuisance under the new ordinance, arguing that it should be treated as a business activity.
“We shouldn't call one of our leading economic drivers a nuisance,” Gibson said.
She added that the 65-decibel limit for both residential and commercial areas was unsustainable for the city's vibrant music scene, especially when bars must reduce noise to 55 decibels after 12:30 a.m.
Councilwoman Debbie Breen, the sole vote against the ordinance, suggested extending the 65-decibel limit to 1:30 a.m. on weekends, aligning it with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's licensing hours for bars.
Other council members, including Lynn Palmer and Brett Hicks, supported the ordinance, citing the need for compromise and the positive impact of previous noise reductions.
The council had previously considered noise ordinance changes in 2020 but did not implement any revisions. This time, the motion to approve the new ordinance passed with only Breen opposed.
- Mayor Rebecca Gibson
