Fort Worth City Council considers noise ordinance

Commercial areas of Fort Worth would have higher decibel limits because of nightlife.

The city of Fort Worth could become quieter in March. The Fort Worth City Council is expected to vote on proposed changes to the city’s noise ordinance.

Fort Worth Police Major Billy Cordell said TCU is located in a residential area of Fort Worth. As part of the proposed changes, there would be different decibel levels for residential areas and commercial business areas.

“I used to live a block from TCU, so I understand the parties and the noise,” Cordell said.

But respect toward neighbors goes a long way.

Junior interior design major Allie Balling said noise from her neighbors has been an issue in her off campus condo.

According to the city public meeting agenda that presented the proposed changes to the public, updating the ordinance would address ongoing noise issues throughout the city. The proposed changes would set a decibel limit of 70 during the day and 60 at night in residential areas.

“We’ve tried to call [the police] on people where we live for being really loud during the week,” Balling said.

Cordell said another issue that would be addressed was animal noise. There would be a 10 minute limit for roosters and barking dogs before a complaint could be made.

Commercial areas of Fort Worth, such as downtown and West 7th, would have higher decibel limits because of nightlife, Cordell said.

The city was looking at all options and listening to business owners’ ideas. Fort Worth was not trying to run people out of business, he said.

People who live around TCU were here before the campus was, Balling said. TCU students need to acknowledge that when being too loud.

Thinking about neighbors ahead of time could prevent a lot of problems, Cordell said.

One TCU student gave Cordell common courtesy when he was a neighbor.

“He went around and knocked on doors and he provided his personal information and contact information, with an expectation to call him if we exceed that level,” Cordell said.

A list of the proposed decibel limits can be found on the city website.