The Resolution Path
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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Reading, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The City of Reading's ordinance for motor vehicles references Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 157, Established Sound Levels for specific decibel limits. Other noise disturbances are defined by their impact (e.g., endangering health, annoying a reasonable person, or being plainly audible across a property line during quiet hours)."
AI Executive Summary
Reading, PA's Noise Ordinance, Chapter 387, prohibits noise disturbances that endanger health, annoy reasonable persons, or disrupt peace. Key restrictions include quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM for construction and amplified sound, with fines recently increased to a minimum of $100. Enforcement is primarily by the Police Department.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating construction tools or equipment, drilling, or demolition work is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 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. This also applies to domestic power tools.
Amplified Sound
Prohibited at any time if it causes a noise disturbance across a property line, or between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it is plainly audible across a property line, or audible on a public street for a distance of 50 feet from the source. Sound amplifying equipment on motor vehicles (sound trucks) must not exceed maximum permissible motor vehicle noise emissions.
Animals
Owning, possessing, harboring, or controlling any animal or bird that howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, disturbing any person at any time of the day or night (unless provoked by trespass or legitimate cause).
Vehicles
Operation of public or private motor vehicles or motorcycles, or attached equipment, on a public right-of-way must not emit sound levels exceeding those set forth in Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 157, Established Sound Levels. Sound trucks are also regulated.
Yelling/Shouting
Engaging in loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing is prohibited on public streets between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance.
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