Harrisburg, PA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Chapter 3-349 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances, adopted by Ord. No. 15-1990, is the City of Harrisburg rule aimed at late-night club activity near homes. Section 3-349.1 states that the Council regulates the hours of operation of a BYOB club to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods and protect the right of citizens to quiet enjoyment. A BYOB club is a business facility such as a dance hall, club or association, not licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, where patrons 21 years of age and older can consume alcoholic beverages they carried in after paying an entry fee, cover charge or membership fee.

A facility rented for a limited period not to exceed 12 hours for a private party is not a BYOB club. Section 3-349.5 makes it unlawful, in any zone where BYOB clubs are otherwise permitted, to remain open or transact business between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., prevailing time, if the club sits in a residence zone or within 500 feet of a residence, school or hospital, and to operate without a valid club permit. Section 3-349.3 requires liability coverage of $1,000,000 single limit per occurrence filed with the Chief of Police, a certificate of occupancy, a business privilege or mercantile license, a zoning permit, and conspicuous posting of the hours of operation.

The permit application goes to the Chief of Police, who decides within 10 days; the fee is $100, and $50 for each renewal, for a permit effective one year. Sound from any business, including a club, also falls under Chapter 3-343, where making or continuing a noise disturbance within the City is a violation, and where sound equipment plainly audible on public streets at 50 feet in residential and nonresidential areas, or 75 feet in the Liquor Control Board exempted area, is a noise disturbance.