Scranton, PA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Scranton, PA?
| Regulation | Details for Scranton, PA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 570-348-4141 |
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM generally; specific activities and days may vary, e.g., construction has different weekend/holiday hours.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Scranton, PA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Scranton, PA?
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.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 62 dB(A) (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on non-holidays) | 52 dB(A) (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. plus Sundays and legal holidays) |
| Commercial | 67 dB(A) (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on non-holidays) | 62 dB(A) (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. plus Sundays and legal holidays) |
Note: Industrial/Infrastructure districts have a limit of 70 dB(A) at all times. Impulsive sounds must not exceed 20 dB(A) over ambient levels.
Specific 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scranton, PA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Scranton, PA?
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM generally; specific activities and days may vary, e.g., construction has different weekend/holiday hours.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Scranton, PA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 62 dB(A) (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on non-holidays) during the day and 52 dB(A) (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. plus Sundays and legal holidays) 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 Scranton, PA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Scranton, PA police non-emergency line at 570-348-4141. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 570-348-4193.