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Step 1 of 3Erie, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The Zoning Ordinance for Light Industrial Park districts prohibits sustained noise levels of 60 dBA or greater, or unsustained non-periodic noise levels of 80 dBA or greater, as measured at any property line and residential district line. No general decibel limits are specified for residential or commercial areas."
AI Executive Summary
Erie, PA noise ordinances primarily prohibit disturbing the peace by "clamor or noise" as part of the Disorderly Conduct (City Ordinance § 705.01), which includes shouting or making noise during nighttime to the annoyance of residents. Specific quiet hours are not universally defined for all noise sources, but rather focus on nuisance. The City also has specific restrictions for animal noise, amplified sound, and established quiet zones around hospitals.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Not explicitly specified in the provided ordinances for general construction hours. Activities causing noise disturbance may fall under general disorderly conduct provisions.
Amplified Sound
Operating or playing any radio, television, musical instrument, sound amplifier, automobile radio/stereo, or similar device is prohibited if it creates a noise disturbance across a real property boundary at any time, or is audible from 50 feet in any public area, street, or sidewalk.
Animals
No person shall own, harbor, or keep any animal that disturbs the peace, quiet, rest, or sleep of any person by making continuous noise for more than 15 minutes on two or more consecutive days or nights (City of Erie, Chapter 729).
Vehicles
Operating recreational motor vehicles in a manner that creates loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise disturbing others is prohibited. In established Quiet Zones (one-block radius around hospitals), blowing vehicle horns or creating other motor vehicle nuisances that disturb patients and staff are prohibited. Operating sound amplifying equipment in or on a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way or public space creating a noise disturbance across any real property boundary is also prohibited.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Erie 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 Erie, PA?
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Erie's quiet hours: Not universally specified for all noise sources; generally, nighttime noise that disturbs peace is prohibited under disorderly conduct.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
How do I file a noise complaint in Erie?
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Call the Erie police non-emergency line at (814) 870-1125. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (814) 870-1473. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Erie?
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Erie's noise violation penalties: Violations of disorderly conduct (clamor or noise) may result in a fine of up to $300 or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. Violations within established Quiet Zones carry a fine of not more than $50 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 days.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Erie?
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Erie's rules: No person shall own, harbor, or keep any animal that disturbs the peace, quiet, rest, or sleep of any person by making continuous noise for more than 15 minutes on two or more consecutive days or nights (City of Erie, Chapter 729).. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (814) 870-1136 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Erie?
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Erie's construction noise rules: Not explicitly specified in the provided ordinances for general construction hours. Activities causing noise disturbance may fall under general disorderly conduct provisions.. 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 Erie?
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Yes. Erie's ordinance: Operating or playing any radio, television, musical instrument, sound amplifier, automobile radio/stereo, or similar device is prohibited if it creates a noise disturbance across a real property boundary at any time, or is audible from 50 feet in any public area, street, or sidewalk.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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