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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.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Allentown protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Standard coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Allentown, PA?
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Allentown's quiet hours: 7AM-9PM (general day), 9PM-7AM (general night). Specific restrictions apply for certain activities.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Allentown?
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Allentown's residential noise limits: Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) dB(A) during the day and Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified (excessive noise above background levels is prohibited). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Allentown?
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Call the Allentown police non-emergency line at 610-437-7751. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 610-437-7694. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Allentown?
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Allentown's noise violation penalties: Violation of the noise ordinance can result in a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or imprisonment for no more than 90 days, or both. Police may issue a sweep ticket, citation, or Disruptive Conduct Report (DCR).. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Allentown?
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Allentown's rules: 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.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 610-437-8729 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Allentown?
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Allentown's construction noise rules: 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).. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Allentown?
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Yes. Allentown's ordinance: 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.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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