Noise Ordinances in Penn Hills, PA

If you live in Penn Hills or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Penn Hills has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Decibel Limits

In the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, the noise ordinance's curfews and limits do not apply to Light or General Industrial District land located 500 feet or more from any residential zoning district.

Key details: Exempt zone: Light/General Industrial, 500+ feet out. Within 500 feet: Standard noise rules still apply. Governing rule: § 636.03(d) Exceptions. Max fine elsewhere: $1,000 per violation.

Industrial noise within 500 feet of a residential district that breaches the excessive-noise or curfew rules can draw a citation and fines up to $1,000 under § 636.06, the same as any other violation.

Barking Dogs

Penn Hills bars any animal from habitual, continuous barking, howling or crying that disturbs neighbors, defined as more than 30 minutes at a stretch.

Key details: Trigger threshold: more than 30 minutes continuous. Enforcing agency: Animal Control Agent / Police. First offense: warning letter only. Second offense fine: $50 plus costs. Third+ offense fine: $100+, rising $100 each time.

First violation: written warning from the Animal Control Agent. Second offense: $50 fine plus costs. Third offense: $100 fine plus costs. Each additional offense adds another $100.

Vehicle Noise

The Municipality of Penn Hills in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania bars excessive, harsh or unreasonably loud noise from motorcycles, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, go-carts and other motorized vehicles, and requires an adequate muffler on any internal combustion engine. A first offense carries a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 plus costs of prosecution.

Key details: Muffler rule: § 456.07, adequate muffler on any internal combustion engine. Loud vehicle noise: § 456.05, excessive, harsh or unreasonably loud noise barred. First offense: $100 to $300 plus costs of prosecution. Second offense: $200 to $300 plus costs of prosecution. Third offense: $300 fine, or up to 30 days imprisonment in default.

Sections 456.05 through 456.07 share one penalty clause, § 456.99(b), and the fines climb with each offense. A first offense is a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $300 and costs of prosecution. A second offense is a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $300 and costs of prosecution. A third offense is a fine of $300, and in default of payment the person is imprisoned not more than 30 days. Chapter 456 prints no verbal-warning requirement. Stereo violations under Chapter 636 follow a different schedule: a fine of not more than $1,000, with each day a separate offense.

Leaf Blower Rules

The Municipality of Penn Hills in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania declares noise from weedblowers, string trimmers, powered lawnmowers and other powered landscape maintenance equipment excessive between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day. Police issue a verbal warning first, and a conviction carries a fine of not more than $1,000.

Key details: Prohibited hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., any day. Equipment covered: Weedblowers, string trimmers, powered lawnmowers, other powered landscape equipment. First step: Verbal warning from a police officer, § 636.05. Maximum fine: Not more than $1,000, § 636.06. Default penalty: Imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.

Section 636.05 requires a verbal warning first. If the same or substantially similar conduct continues within a reasonably proximate amount of time, the offender is subject to a citation. Under § 636.06, a conviction carries a fine of not more than $1,000 and, in default of payment, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Section 636.07 declares a violation a nuisance that the Municipality can abate through a restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, and the civil and penal remedies can be used simultaneously or consecutively.

Construction Hours

In the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, construction and repair work using compressors, jackhammers, drills, or other loud equipment is banned between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the Municipal Manager grants written permission.

Key details: Quiet hours: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Covered equipment: Compressors, jackhammers, drills, excavators. Exception: Written permission from Municipal Manager. Maximum fine: $1,000 per violation. Enforcement: Police warning issued first.

Violating the construction-noise curfew is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail under § 636.06; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Penn Hills caps radios, stereos and other amplified sound devices played louder than needed for voluntary listeners in the room or vehicle using them.

Key details: Nighttime audibility limit: 50 feet from property line, 10pm-6am. Vehicle audibility limit: 50 feet, any time of day. Standard applied: louder than needed for voluntary listeners. Max fine: $1,000 per offense.

Enforced under Municipality of Penn Hills Code § 636.06: police issue a verbal warning first; continued or repeated violation brings a citation and, on conviction, a fine up to $1,000 plus up to 30 days imprisonment for nonpayment. Each day is a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Penn Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Penn Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.