Pittsburgh, PA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Pittsburgh, PA?
| Regulation | Details for Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 412-473-3056 (Allegheny County Dispatch non-emergency) or 311 (City of Pittsburgh Response Center) / 412-255-2621 (outside Pittsburgh) |
10 PM-7 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Pittsburgh, PA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Pittsburgh, PA?
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.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dB(A) or 3 dB above background, whichever is greater (7 AM-10 PM) | 55 dB(A) or 3 dB above background, whichever is greater (10 PM-7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: 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.
Specific 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pittsburgh, PA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Pittsburgh, PA?
10 PM-7 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Pittsburgh, PA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dB(A) or 3 dB above background, whichever is greater (7 AM-10 PM) during the day and 55 dB(A) or 3 dB above background, whichever is greater (10 PM-7 AM) 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 Pittsburgh, PA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Pittsburgh, PA police non-emergency line at 412-473-3056 (Allegheny County Dispatch non-emergency) or 311 (City of Pittsburgh Response Center) / 412-255-2621 (outside Pittsburgh). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 (City of Pittsburgh Response Center) / 412-255-2621 (outside Pittsburgh) or PLI: 412-255-2175.