McKinney reviews construction hours policy after complaints from residents

The McKinney City Council Work Session on August 5, 2025, focused on the city's construction hours and noise complaint enforcement. Code Compliance Manager, who has over a year of experience in McKinney and 12 years in Plano, presented an overview of current regulations and proposed changes.

Currently, McKinney allows construction from 6 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays, and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays, totaling 88 hours per week. Exceptions can be made for concrete placement under specific conditions. The enforcement process involves multiple departments, with the police responding to after-hours complaints and code services handling daytime issues. Violations can result in a Class C misdemeanor and fines up to $500.

From January to June 2025, the police department received 35 verified noise complaints, but no enforcement actions were taken. The Code Compliance Manager noted that many complaints do not lead to fines due to the challenges of identifying responsible parties, often workers rather than property owners.

The presentation included comparisons with neighboring cities, revealing that McKinney's construction hours are among the most permissive. Most nearby jurisdictions start construction at 7 AM, and some do not allow Sunday work at all. The council discussed potential amendments to the ordinance, including shifting weekday start times to 7 AM, which would reduce total allowable construction hours.

In response to concerns about enforcement, council members expressed a desire for stricter penalties for repeat offenders and a more effective system for tracking complaints. The Code Compliance Manager indicated that a new interdepartmental process would improve follow-up on complaints and enhance communication with residents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore options for better enforcement of noise regulations and potential adjustments to the fee structure for violations. The council aims to balance the needs of a growing city with the concerns of residents regarding noise disturbances.