The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Allentown, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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)."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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