The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Scranton, PA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Industrial/Infrastructure districts have a limit of 70 dB(A) at all times. Impulsive sounds must not exceed 20 dB(A) over ambient levels."
AI Executive Summary
Scranton, PA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 317, prohibit excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noises disturbing public health and welfare. Specific quiet hours and decibel limits vary by activity and zoning district, with stricter regulations during nighttime and on weekends/holidays. Violations can result in fines up to $600 or imprisonment.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating tools or equipment causing noise disturbance across a residential property line is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and holidays, unless it is for emergency work or a variance has been obtained. Construction, including blasting and explosives, is generally exempt between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Amplified Sound
Street sales using shouting or amplified sound are prohibited outside the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Concerts, block parties, and similar outdoor performances must not produce sound exceeding 85 dB(A) without a noise control exception. Places of public entertainment exceeding 90 dB(A) at customer-occupied points require a warning sign.
Animals
Owning, possessing, harboring, or controlling any animal that barks, bays, cries, squawks, or makes other noise continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more to the disturbance of any person is prohibited, unless provoked.
Vehicles
Motor vehicles must be equipped with effective mufflers, and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited. Maximum permissible sound levels on public rights-of-way must adhere to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Regulations Title 67, Chapter 157. Operating a stationary vehicle's engine or auxiliary equipment causing a noise disturbance within 250 feet of a residence for more than 15 minutes in an hour is prohibited. Unnecessary horn blowing is forbidden. Tractor-trailer engines cannot be idled in residential districts.
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