The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Lancaster, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The ordinance primarily prohibits 'noise disturbance' without specific decibel levels for general residential or commercial areas. Motor vehicle noise levels are governed by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Regulations Title 67, Chapter 157, Subchapter B, 67 Pa. Code § 157.11."
AI Executive Summary
Lancaster, PA's Noise Control Ordinance, Section 198 of the City Code, prohibits any noise disturbance that injures the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of residents. Generally, quiet hours for many activities requiring a variance are 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends. Construction and amplified sound have specific restricted hours.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating tools or equipment for construction, drilling, or demolition is prohibited between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following day on weekdays and Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays or legal holidays, if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, except for emergency work. Domestic power tools are exempt from these hours. A variance is needed for construction noise between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays and anytime on weekends, but no variance will be issued for noise after 10:00 PM.
Amplified Sound
A variance is always required for any amplified musical instruments, music, or voice in a public space. For noise disturbances at a private residence, business, or car, a variance is needed for amplified sound between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM on weekdays and anytime on the weekends. Noise variance requests for bands or amplified music at private house parties or bars/nightclubs will NOT be approved. Street sales by shouting or outcry or amplified sound are only permitted between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Animals
For a persistent nuisance barking dog or a vicious dog, residents should call the police non-emergency number (717-664-1180).
Vehicles
No person shall operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way in a manner that violates Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Regulations. Motorcycles must have a working muffler and no altered exhaust systems that amplify sound beyond established levels. Operating a standing motor vehicle or auxiliary equipment for longer than 15 minutes in any hour, if stationary (not due to traffic) within 150 feet of a residence and causing a noise disturbance across a residential property line, is prohibited.
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