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.

Leaf Blower Rules

Penn Hills, Allegheny County has no gas-powered leaf blower ban: it bars weedblowers, string trimmers, and other powered landscape equipment from running between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., regardless of fuel type.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Gas-specific ban: None: all fuel types covered. Covered gear: Weedblowers, trimmers, powered mowers. Maximum fine: $1,000 per violation.

Running a leaf blower or other landscape equipment during the 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. curfew draws a police warning first, then a citation carrying up to a $1,000 fine under § 636.06.

The rules around leaf blower rules in Penn Hills lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Vehicle Noise

Penn Hills bans venting engine exhaust into the open air without an adequate muffler, and separately bans excessive or unreasonably loud noise from motorcycles, ATVs, and similar motorized vehicles anywhere in the Municipality.

Key details: Muffler required: on every combustion engine. First offense fine: $100–$300 plus costs. Third offense: $300, up to 30 days jail. Also covers: motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles noise.

First offense: $100–$300 fine plus costs; second offense: $200–$300; third offense: $300 and up to 30 days in jail if unpaid, per § 456.99(b), covering §§ 456.05 through 456.07.

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.

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, where we track updates as they happen.