Allentown, PA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Allentown, PA?
| Regulation | Details for Allentown, PA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 610-437-7751 |
7AM-9PM (general day), 9PM-7AM (general night). Specific restrictions apply for certain activities.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Allentown, PA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Allentown, PA?
Allentown, PA's noise ordinance, Chapter 400 "Noise," prohibits any "noise disturbance" that endangers health, annoys reasonable persons, or injures property. Enforcement falls primarily to the Police Department and Bureau of Health. The ordinance sets quiet hours and decibel limits for various activities, including construction and amplified sound, with penalties up to $1,000 fines or 90 days imprisonment.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) | Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) |
| Commercial | Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) | Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) |
Note: Construction sites: under 85 dB(A). Public entertainment spaces: up to 90 dB(A). An intrusive noise causing a 10 dB(A) increase above background is a disturbance. Pure tone or impulsive sounds reduce limits by 5 dB(A).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays or holidays, if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, except for emergency work. Noise levels must be under 85 dB(A).
- Amplified Sound:
Prohibited in vehicles on public right-of-way or public space between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it causes a noise disturbance. Sound amplifiers casting sound upon streets are a public nuisance.
- Animals:
Causing a noise disturbance (e.g., barking) is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays or holidays, across a residential real property boundary.
- Vehicles:
Motor vehicles must have an effective muffler or noise suppressing system, with no cutouts or bypasses causing a noise disturbance. Prohibited from causing noise disturbances between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. Unnecessary horn blowing or loud noises on streets are a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allentown, PA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Allentown, PA?
7AM-9PM (general day), 9PM-7AM (general night). Specific restrictions apply for certain activities.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Allentown, PA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) during the day and Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Allentown, PA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Allentown, PA police non-emergency line at 610-437-7751. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 610-437-7694.