Construction Hours: Allentown vs Bethlehem
How do construction hours rules compare between Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem has fewer restrictions than Allentown.
Allentown, PA
Lehigh County
Article 710.03(E)(1) bars construction, drilling, and demolition tools between 9:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. on weekdays and Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or holidays, where the noise crosses a residential property boundary. At permitted times, no source may exceed 85 dBA at the boundary without a variance.
View full Allentown rules →Bethlehem, PA
Lehigh County
Bethlehem prohibits operating any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling or demolition work between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. under Section 717.01(b)(5). Work outside that window requires a special permit from the Community and Economic Development Director or designee. No weekend exception applies.
View full Bethlehem rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Allentown | Bethlehem |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Allentown Art. 710.03(E)(1) | - |
| Prohibited hours | 9 P.M.-7 A.M. weekdays/Saturdays; all day Sundays/holidays | - |
| Permitted-hours dBA cap | 85 dB(A) at the property boundary | - |
| Domestic power tools | Art. 710.03(C)(9): banned 9 P.M.-7 A.M. (snow blowers exempt) | - |
| Variance authority | Section 710.05(B) (Hearing Board) | - |
| Code | - | Sec. 717.01(b)(5) |
| Permitted Hours | - | 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Weekend Exception | - | None |
| Special Permit Issuer | - | Comm. & Econ. Dev. Director |
| Max Penalty | - | $500 plus 30 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Allentown FAQ
Can contractors work on Sunday in Allentown?
No, not where the noise crosses a residential boundary. Article 710.03(E)(1)(a) prohibits construction, drilling, and demolition tools 'at any time on Sundays or holidays,' except for emergency work or under a variance.
Is there a decibel cap during permitted daytime hours?
Yes. Article 710.03(E)(1)(b) caps construction noise at 85 dB(A) at or across any real property boundary at otherwise-permitted times, unless a variance is obtained under Section 710.05(B).
Bethlehem FAQ
When can contractors do construction work in Bethlehem?
Section 717.01(b)(5) allows construction, drilling and demolition equipment to operate any day from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No separate Saturday, Sunday, or holiday window applies. Work outside that envelope needs a special permit.
How do I get a Bethlehem nighttime construction permit?
Section 717.01(b)(5) authorizes the Community and Economic Development Director or designee to issue a special permit for work between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The ordinance sets no statutory fee. Contact the Department for procedures.
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