Harrisburg, PA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Harrisburg, PA?
| Regulation | Details for Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 8PM-6:30AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 717-558-6900 |
The City of Harrisburg does not specify general quiet hours for all noise. However, municipal waste collection with mechanical equipment and the use of leaf blowers, powered lawn mowers, and other powered landscape maintenance equipment are prohibited between 8:00 PM and 6:30 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Harrisburg, PA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg, PA noise ordinances prohibit "noise disturbances" that endanger health, annoy reasonable persons, or damage property. Specific restrictions include amplified sound audible over 50 feet in residential/nonresidential areas (75 feet in LCB exempted areas), and municipal waste collection or lawn care between 8:00 PM and 6:30 AM. Animal noises like frequent barking are also prohibited nuisances.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: The ordinance defines 'noise disturbance' based on impact (e.g., annoying a reasonable person) and includes a 'plainly audible' standard for amplified sound rather than specific decibel limits for zones.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction or repair activities are declared noise disturbances, but exemptions exist for work necessary to preserve life or property during prohibited hours if a permit is obtained within one day after the City Engineer's office opens.
- Amplified Sound:
The operation of sound trucks or other amplifying devices for advertising on public highways is prohibited. Use of radios, stereos, loudspeakers, or other sound-producing devices plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source in residential or nonresidential areas, or 75 feet in Liquor Control Board exempted areas, is a violation on public streets. Pennsylvania state law permits licensed establishments to play amplified music up to 75 decibels between 10 AM and 9 PM (Sun-Thurs) and 10 AM and midnight (Fri-Sat), but Harrisburg has an exempted area where its local ordinance applies.
- Animals:
Keeping or harboring any animal that creates excessive noise, such as frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping, or baying, which disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, is declared a nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Using or operating vehicle radios and other amplified music in a manner that creates a noise disturbance or is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source is prohibited. Automobile horns are prohibited except when used as a safety device. Pennsylvania state regulations also specify vehicular noise limits in decibels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisburg, PA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Harrisburg, PA?
The City of Harrisburg does not specify general quiet hours for all noise. However, municipal waste collection with mechanical equipment and the use of leaf blowers, powered lawn mowers, and other powered landscape maintenance equipment are prohibited between 8:00 PM and 6:30 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Harrisburg, PA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of established limits during the day and stricter limits 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 Harrisburg, PA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Harrisburg, PA police non-emergency line at 717-558-6900. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Text CODE to 605-777-0110 or submit online via City of Harrisburg website.