The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Pittsburgh, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
You’ve located the ordinance. Now, compare your situation against the legal thresholds to build your case.
Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Amplified noise must be kept below 75 dB. Noise plainly audible to an officer from 75 feet away is a violation. Apartment-to-apartment/residence-to-residence noise is limited to 3 dB above background sound level or if clearly audible from 75 feet."
AI Executive Summary
Pittsburgh, PA noise ordinances (specifically Pittsburgh Code, Title Six, Chapter 601.04, "Noise Control") prohibit unamplified noise in residential areas exceeding 65 dB(A) during the day (7 AM-10 PM) and 55 dB(A) at night (10 PM-7 AM), or 3 dB above background levels, whichever is greater. Amplified noise must be below 75 dB and not plainly audible from 75 feet. Construction hours are also regulated.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Private development activity in Downtown and the Strip District is limited to 6 AM to 8 PM. Heavy construction, including demolition and jackhammering, is restricted to 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Construction activities subject to Residential Compatibility Standards are prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM unless within a fully enclosed structure. Work on City streets requires prior permission before 7 AM or after 7 PM. Properly permitted construction is generally exempt.
Amplified Sound
Amplified noise from a vehicle or portable, hand-carried audio amplification device is prohibited if plainly audible to an officer from 75 feet away. Overall amplified noise must be kept below 75 dB.
Animals
Barking dogs can be a source of noise complaints and are considered individual background noise sources. Animal Control assists with neighbor disputes over animals.
Vehicles
Unnecessarily and repeatedly sounding a vehicle horn is prohibited. Music or audio amplification from a vehicle plainly audible from 75 feet away is a violation.
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