Junkyards, noise pollution targeted by Walle legislation

State Rep. Armando Walle takes on the issue of junkyards in BH 1794

AUSTIN — State Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston) recently filed two key pieces of legislation to improve quality of life for Aldine and Northside residents. House Bill 1115 would create a noise ordinance in unincorporated areas of Harris County, and House Bill 1794 would increase the required distance a junkyard must be from a school, church or residence to 600 feet.

“It is a honor for me to represent House District 140, and I am working hard every day to advocate for our communities at the Legislature,” said Rep. Walle.

House Bill 1115 would prohibit the production of sound from an automobile, loud speaker or sound amplifier that exceeds 85 decibels at a distance of 50 feet in unincorporated areas of Harris County.

This legislation would grant the Harris County Commissioner’s Court the ability to provide permits for special events to exceed the sound level. An offense would result in a criminal penalty.

“Currently, unincorporated Harris County has no noise ordinance, and at my first town hall meeting in January, I heard from many constituents that they were tired of the noise problem,” said Rep. Walle. “I filed House Bill 1115 because I believe these neighborhoods deserve the same protections as the neighborhoods within the Houston city limits.”

Under current law, a junkyard or salvage yard must be located at least 300 feet from a school, church or residence. Rep. Walle’s House Bill 1794 would increase the distance requirement for new junkyards from 300 feet to 600 feet.

“As a lifelong resident of the Aldine and Northside area, I grew up nearby junkyards and salvage yards,” said Rep. Walle. “I hope that House Bill 1794 will help separate new junkyards and salvage yards from our schools and neighborhoods.”

Rep. Armando Walle represents House District 140, which includes portions of unincorporated North Harris County and the City of Houston.