McKeesport's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In McKeesport, Pennsylvania, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified music audible beyond property lines after 10 PM violates McKeesport quiet hours and PA 18 5503 disorderly conduct. Outdoor events at Renziehausen Park require permits.
Key details: Cutoff: 10 PM residential. State Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. §5503. Event Permits: Required for parks. Commercial: Noise must stop at property line. Citation: Summary offense.
First complaint: police warning. Disorderly conduct citation: summary offense up to $300 plus court costs. Repeat commercial violator: conditional-use review, possible license action.
Leaf Blower Rules
No McKeesport-specific leaf blower ordinance. General nuisance noise limits and quiet hours apply. Gas and electric blowers permitted during daytime.
Key details: Local Ordinance: None specific. Hours: Daytime only. Gas Blowers: Permitted. Electric Blowers: Permitted. Applicable Rule: PA §5503 nuisance.
After-hours nuisance operation: disorderly conduct summary offense, up to $300 fine. Repeat offenses may incur escalated penalties and, for commercial crews, business-license review.
McKeesport is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leaf blower rules. That said, there are still limits.
Vehicle Noise
Modified exhausts, loud mufflers, and engine revving prohibited under PA Vehicle Code 75 Pa.C.S. 4523 requiring functional mufflers. McKeesport Police enforce.
Key details: State Law: 75 Pa.C.S. 4523. Muffler Cutouts: Prohibited. Fine: 100 dollars plus costs. Enforcement: Traffic stop.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Industrial Noise
Industrial and commercial noise sources subject to Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI air quality and noise provisions plus McKeesport zoning performance standards.
Key details: County Oversight: ACHD Article XXI. Zoning Limits: District boundary measurement. Heavy Industry: Permitted in M districts. Complaints: ACHD and city.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Quiet Hours
McKeesport enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under the city nuisance code, supplemented by PA Title 18 5503 disorderly conduct statute covering unreasonable noise.
Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. State Law: PA 18 5503 disorderly conduct. Max Fine: 300 dollars plus costs. Enforcement: McKeesport Police.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Barking Dogs
Persistent dog barking enforceable as public nuisance under McKeesport code and PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459. Complaints handled by police and ACHD animal services.
Key details: State Law: PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459. Enforcement: Police and ACHD. License Required: All dogs 3 plus months. Fine Range: 25 to 300 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Construction Hours
Construction noise generally restricted to daytime hours (typically 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays) under McKeesport nuisance provisions. Emergency utility and public works exempt.
Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM typical. Sundays: Restricted or prohibited. Emergency Work: Exempt. Permit Variance: Available from city.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise preempted by FAA under 49 U.S.C. 40103. McKeesport near Allegheny County Airport (AGC) in West Mifflin and flight paths from Pittsburgh International (PIT).
Key details: Jurisdiction: FAA federal (49 U.S.C. §40103). Local Authority: None for in-flight. Nearest Airport: KAGC (Allegheny County). Major Airport: KPIT (17 mi west). Noise Contour: FAA Part 150 DNL 65 dB.
No local fine — federal preemption. Unsafe or reckless low-altitude flight: FAA enforcement under 14 CFR §91.13 and §91.119, civil penalties up to $37,377 per violation (2024). Drones under 400 feet in McKeesport airspace: FAA Part 107 rules and local trespass/privacy law apply.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find McKeesport gives residents more flexibility on aircraft noise.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, McKeesport gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
All of the above reflects McKeesport's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.